Chūshēng Rùsǐ from Dao De Jing Chapter 50
出生入死|go through fire and water（Translation does not do its best）(Chūshēng Rùsǐ )
1. Literal Translation:
- 出 (Chū): To exit, emerge.
- 生 (Shēng): Life, birth.
- 入 (Rù): To enter.
- 死 (Sǐ): Death.
→ “To leave life and enter death.”
2. Context in Daoist Philosophy:
- Natural Cycle: Reflects the inevitability of the life-death cycle, aligned with the Dao (道), the natural flow of existence.
- Laozi’s Intent: Critiques human interference with nature (e.g., excessive striving, fear of death) that disrupts harmony with the Dao.
3. Interpretations:
- Traditional:
- “From birth, one marches toward death.”
- Emphasizes the transient nature of life.
- Metaphorical:
- “To risk one’s life” (modern Chinese idiom).
- Implies courage in facing mortal danger.
- Daoist Perspective:
- Acceptance of mortality as part of nature’s balance (“returning to the Dao”).
4. Key Themes in Chapter 50:
- Non-Attachment: Avoiding excessive control over life/death.
- Wu Wei (无为): Letting events unfold naturally without force.
- Example: Those who “preserve life” (养生) do not fear tigers or weapons—they align with the Dao.
5. Contrast with Confucianism:
- Daoism views life/death as neutral transitions; Confucianism emphasizes ritual (e.g., funeral rites) to honor the process.
Summary:
“出生入死” encapsulates the Daoist principle of embracing life’s impermanence without resistance, trusting the natural order (Dao) rather than clinging to existence.
This phrase’s modern usage as “to brave death” diverges from Loazi’s original philosophical message.
The author: Lives in the cultural province of Henan, a few hundred miles from Laozi’s hometown near Luoyang, the Zhou capital.