Wu Wei in Mindfulness: A Systematic Perspective.

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Philosophy
• Social Sciences

Background:

• Current mindfulness research is dominated by positivistic and instrumental approaches.
• A deeper theoretical and historical understanding is needed to grasp mindfulness's essence and function.
• Von Fircks (2023) introduced Daoism's wu wei into Meadian Social Psychology.

Purpose of the Study:

• To continue the dialogue between Daoist wu wei and Meadian Social Psychology.
• To explore the systematic principle underlying wu wei for a better understanding of mindfulness.
• To analyze the dynamic emergence of the self (altered I) through mindfulness.

Main Methods:

• Theoretical commentary and conceptual analysis.
• Integration of Daoist philosophy (wu wei) with Meadian Social Psychology.
• Systematic exploration of wu wei's meaning and underlying principles.

Main Results:

• Identified two core meanings of wu wei: non-interference and the existence of spontaneously evolving systems.
• Distinguished two positions in engaging with spontaneous systems: stepping back (non-interference) and active cultivation of relations.
• Proposed two pathways for the emergence of an altered self (I) through mindfulness, based on these positions.

Conclusions:

• Revisiting theoretical and historical conceptualizations is crucial for advancing mindfulness research.
• Wu wei offers a valuable framework for understanding mindfulness beyond instrumental applications.
• The framework illuminates how different approaches to spontaneous systems influence self-transformation in mindfulness practices.