Taoism’s “teaching without words” refers to the education of “Tao”, which is mainly not an educational method or approach, but an educational idea or educational ideology. In terms of purpose,“teaching without words” is the education of “virtuous people” who cultivate the “Taoist” and can act in accordance with “Tao”. As far as content is concerned, “teaching without words” is the teaching of “inexpressible and indescribable words”, that is, the “meaning” of reflection and the “meaning” of practice through education, so that the educated obtain the ability to reflect and practice, form values of “heaven and nature”, as well as realize such values. As far as the method is concerned,“teaching without words” is a way of selfeducation combined with “selfreliance” and “selfsufficiency”, which enables people to acquire the ability to develop themselves. In terms of principles,“teaching without words” is the teaching of “action without intention”, which needs to be implemented and governed by the principle of “letting things take their own course”, to fully release the vitality of people and education. Thus, the educational concept of the preQin Taoism is unique and full of vitality.

Tao; educational thought; education without words; meaning grasped word forgotten; selfeducation; do things as they are; teaching