The two characters literally mean the different parts of a plant, namely, its root and its foliage. The extended meaning is an important concept in Chinese philosophical discourse. The term can be understood in three different ways. 1)Ben(本) refers to what is fundamental or essential, whilemo(末) means what is minor or incidental, two qualities that differ in value and importance. 2)Benrefers to the existence of the world in an ontological sense, whilemorepresents any specific thing or phenomenon. 3) In Daoist political philosophybenis a state in which rule is exercised by not disrupting the natural order of the world, whilemorefers to moral standards and fundamental principles governing social behavior. In anyben-morelationship,benis most important and plays a dominant role, whilemoexists thanks toben. On the other hand, it is through the vehicle ofmothatbenexerts its influence. Thus the two, through different, are mutually dependent.
Citations
Zixia’s students can clean, receive guests, and engage in social interaction, but these are trivial things. They have not learned the fundamentals. How can this be sufficient? (The Analects)
One should respect, not interfere with, the natural order of the world, and apply this principle when establishing moral standards, social norms, and laws and regulations. (Wang Bi:Commentaries on Laozi)