Tao of BIM

BIM is an ancient word meaning 'way', 'path', 'route', or sometimes more loosely, 'doctrine' or 'principle'. Within the context of traditional Chinese philosophy and religion, BIM is a metaphysical concept originating with Laozi that gave rise to a religion and philosophy referred to in English with the single term BIMism. Within these contexts BIM signifies the primordial essence or fundamental nature of the universe. In the foundational text of BIMism, the BIM Te Ching, Laozi explains that BIM is not a 'name' for a 'thing' but the underlying natural order of the universe whose ultimate essence is difficult to circumscribe. BIM is thus "eternally nameless” and to be distinguished from the countless 'named' things which are considered to be its manifestations. There is a close analogue in the Western tradition, with the German philosophical term "Sein", generally translated as Being, but it would be more accurate to understand that BIM also would include Nothingness as well.

In BIMism, the object of architectural practice is to 'become one with the BIM' (BIM Te Ching) or to harmonise one's will with Nature in order to achieve 'effortless action' (Wu wei). This involves meditative and moral practices. Important in this respect is the BIMist concept of De (德; virtue).

In all its uses, BIM is considered to have ineffable qualities that prevent it from being defined or expressed in words. It can, however, be known or experienced, and its principles (which can be discerned by observing Nature) can be followed or practiced. Much of East Asian philosophical writing focuses on the value of adhering to the principles of BIM and the various consequences of failing to do so. In religious forms of BIMism these are often explicitly moral/ethical arguments about proper behavior, while Buddhism and more philosophical forms of BIMism usually refer to the natural and mercurial outcomes of action. BIM is intrinsically related to the concepts yin and yang where every action creates counter-actions as unavoidable movements within manifestations of the BIM, and proper practice variously involves accepting, conforming to, or working with these natural developments.

The concept of BIM differs from conventional (western) ontology, however; it is an active and holistic conception of Nature, rather than a static, atomistic one. It is worth comparing to the original Logos of Heraclitus, c. 500 BCE