P’u Chin., lit. “rough timber, an unhewn block”; simplicity, plainness, innocence. A symbol used by Lao-tzu in the Tao-te ching to describe the original, simple, and unpretentious nature of man. This original human nature is also compared to that of a new-born child (ying-erh) or to raw silk (su). It is the goal we must regain, because p’u is the ultimate destination of the return to our source (Ju). Its predominant characteristic is spontaneous action (wu-wei) and freedom from desire. The return to this primordial state is only possible by shedding our desires and attachments. Chapter 19 of the Tao-te ching (Wei 1982, p. 1 52) states,
Display plainness (su), embrace simplicity (p’u),
Reduce selfishness and decrease desires.
Forswear learning
and vexation will vanish.
Lao-tzu considers the desire for wealth, fame, and sensuous pleasures the main hindrance to our development, because they give rise to envy and hatred. A person who attains true inner simplicity thereby gains power over the whole world (Chap. 32, Feng & English 1972):
The Tao is forever undefined.
Small though it is in the unformed state,
it cannot be grasped.
If kings and lords could harness it,
the ten thousand things would naturally obey.
. . .
Men would need no more instruction
and all things would take their course.
Source: The Encyclopedia of Eastern Philosophy and Religion: Buddhism, Hinduism, Taoism, Zen. Shambhala Publications, Inc.
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