Others here may be more familiar with wú wéi as 'flow'. Edit: wú wéi does have more too it though since it involves generalizing that mind state into an explic

Others here may be more familiar with wú wéi as 'flow'. Edit: wú wéi does have more too it though since it involves generalizing that mind state into an explicit philosophy of living. A big part of it is about being flexible and bending or moving around encountered external objects, as opposed to fighting them (or rigidly holding your stance against their approach). There's an interpretation of the above story where the knife blade is the soul, and staying along the smooth track is an expression of this philosophy of being flexible and non-confrontational in one's life.