Dao and Technique

I’ve noticed that many people are troubled by depression or teetering on its edge. Through listening, I’ve gradually come to recognize a possible commonality: people are overly fixated on the “technique” of solving specific problems, while seldom contemplating the “Dao” that grounds and gives meaning to life.

So-called “technique” represents a fragmented, impatient, and results-driven mindset. One client admitted that even when seeking psychological counseling, their main goal was to find techniques to alleviate immediate issues. In my view, this ultimately addresses symptoms rather than root causes. Take pour-over coffee, for example: every coffee bean has its ideal brewing method. If one fails to explore the underlying principles and instead brews each new bean aimlessly, they’re bound to encounter endless difficulties. Life, as a subject, involves even more variables and complexities. Without a guiding thread running through it all, how could one not feel helpless? Furthermore, focusing solely on “technique” often leads to illogical or even self-contradictory behavior. This lack of self-consistency is precisely the root of confusion.

What, then, is “Dao”? I cannot offer a definitive definition. But it originates from inward exploration: examining one’s heart, clarifying what truly matters—be it goodness, achievement, inner peace, or something else. Once you’ve reflected on these questions, the雏形 (embryonic form) of your “Dao” begins to take shape. Guided by this still模糊 (hazy) principle, you continually practice and refine it in the real world, and gradually, your “Dao” becomes clearer.

Some might argue that depending on one’s stage in life, it’s possible to first rely on “techniques” for survival and later gradually seek “Dao” for peace of mind. But I’ve come to believe that the sequence of “technique” and “Dao” is恰恰(precisely) the key. Pursuing “technique” purely for quick results may lead to frustration after a single failure. By contrast, having “Dao” in your heart means first establishing a foundation, enabling you to remain unattached to immediate gains or losses, fostering inner certainty and stability. Then, naturally, you will find techniques that align with your Dao.