What does the Dao concept of Wu-wei mean?

Answer 1

The concept of Wu-Wei/Mo Wai in the Dao/Tao is comparable to how Nature produces Causality without intention or effort such as a dissipative system found inherit in sodium chloride crystals (aka table salt). When you pour salt upon a flat surface within one spot it will pile up and form a conical shaped pile. This is due to the shape of the crystals and how they tend to link up and form this shape. Another idea is likened to trying to control natural systemic effects in the body such as breathing by thinking about it. More than likely you will mess it up and more importantly (unless you are hyperventilating) there is no need to control it consciously.

In Taoist influenced Kung Fu systems the idea is that once you develop technical skill and it is trained well enough you need not think about it when fighting as it springs up "in and of itself". Just like Bruce Lee said "I do not hit, IT hits all by itself". Wu-Wei is like unhindered nature...it has been interpreted as "the non-ado", "in and of itself so", "spontaneous action".

I hope this helps.