The ultimate pursuit of Daoist cultivation lies in achieving the lofty states of “Unity of Heaven and Humanity” and “Union with the Dao.” While seemingly profound, it is actually a practical path guiding all beings to return to their original nature and find true carefreeness within the mundane world. For ordinary people, cultivating the Dao is not an unattainable feat. It begins with recognizing “Dao-nature,” proceeds through daily “goodness” and “salvation,” and ultimately culminates in harmony with oneself and all things. This article delves into the meaning of these states and outlines a clear path from theory to practice.

1. The Foundation: Understanding “Dao-Nature” and the Principle of “Return”

• Common Origin of All Things: Daoism holds that all things between heaven and earth are transformed from the “Dao.” Humans, mountains, rivers, plants, and trees share the same “Dao-nature” at their source. This is the fundamental basis for everyone’s potential to cultivate the Dao.

• The Obscured Original Truth: As humans grow, desires and external influences gradually obscure the original, pure, and natural state of “Dao-nature,” akin to that of an infant.

• The Essence of Cultivation: The core of cultivation is the effort of “diminishing and again diminishing”—stripping away acquired disguises and attachments—to return to that inner, Dao-aligned “true heart and true nature.” This is “returning to the state of an infant” and complying with “the Dao models itself on Nature.”

2. The Core Concept: Deeply Understanding “Unity of Heaven and Humanity”

• Classical Basis: The Dao De Jing lists humanity as one of the “Four Greats within the realm,” alongside Earth, Heaven, and the Dao, stating: “Humans model Earth, Earth models Heaven, Heaven models the Dao, the Dao models Nature.”

• Deeper Interpretation: “Unity of Heaven and Humanity” is not mere imitation but a holistic interconnection based on “shared Dao-nature.” It means humans and the cosmic natural world form an organic whole; contemplating external things reflects back upon oneself.

• Direction of Cultivation: Achieving “Unity of Heaven and Humanity” means awakening the inner “Dao” within oneself, allowing the individual’s life rhythm to harmonize with the operation of the cosmic Dao, thereby reaching “Union with the Dao.”

3. Practical Methods: Starting with “Encouraging Goodness” and “Saving Others”

• Cultivation is a Process of Balancing Desires: The repetitiveness of cultivation stems from the regeneration of desires. The key lies in distinguishing “desire” from basic “need” and finding balance through practice.

• “Goodness” as a Key Method: “The highest goodness is like water” serves as an important guide. Cultivation emphasizes stopping evil and promoting goodness, integrating good intentions and actions into daily life.

• Self-Salvation and Saving Others, Emphasizing Both Merit and Action:

  • Self-Salvation (Benefiting Self): Cultivating oneself, comprehending Dao-nature, is the foundation for becoming a “true immortal.”

  • Saving Others (Benefiting Others): Bringing benefit and goodness to all beings, helping others, is the sublimation of cultivation and the embodiment of social responsibility. Truly “saving all beings” begins with saving oneself and saving each specific “you, me, and him” around you.

• The Great Dao is Extremely Simple; Cultivate in the Small Details: The most profound principles must be practiced in the most mundane details. A single thought of goodness, an act of help, a moment of inner clarity—all are solid steps accumulating merit and advancing toward the state of “enduring as long as heaven and earth.”

Conclusion: “Unity of Heaven and Humanity” and “Union with the Dao” are not empty slogans but a tangible path to elevate life through self-knowledge, practicing goodness, and benefiting others. It reminds us that cultivation is in the present moment, and great states begin with the most humble beginnings.