Lao Tzu Quotes
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When you let go of what you are, you become what you might be.
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He (the sage) is good to those who are good. He is also good to those who are not good. That is the virtue of good.
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It's hard to keep your balance standing tip-toe.
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Filling all the way to the brim is not as good as halting in time.
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If you are untrustworthy, people will not trust you.
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The leader is a teacher who succeeds without taking credit. And, because credit is not taken, credit is received.
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Always without desire we must be found, If its deep mystery we would sound; But if desire always within us be, Its outer fringe is all that we shall see.
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Seal the openings, shut the doors, dull the sharpness, untie the knots, dim the light, become one with the dust. This is called the profound union.
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Everything will settle in its own place automatically.
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When a country is in harmony with the Tao, the factories make trucks and tractors. When a country goes counter to the Tao, warheads are stockpiled outside the cities. There is no greater illusion than fear, no greater wrong than preparing to defend yourself, no greater misfortune than having an enemy. Whoever can see through all fear will always be safe.
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. . . the integral being is attached to nothing and can relate to everyone with an unstructured attitude. Because of this, her very existence benefits all things.
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True power is stillness within motion.
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What is well planted will not be uprooted.
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Ancient masters of excellence had a subtle essence, and a depth too profound to comprehend.
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Use the Light that dwells within you to regain your natural clarity of sight.
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The eye with which you see God is the same eye with which God sees you; one in seeing; one in knowing; one in loving.
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Give evil nothing to oppose and it will disappear by itself.
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Eliminate mental muddiness and obscurity; keep your mind crystal clear. Allow your pure original insight to emerge. Quiet your emotions and abide in serenity. Don't go crazy with the worship of idols, images, and ideas; this is like putting a new head on top of the head you already have. Remember: if you can cease all restless activity, your integral nature will appear.
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All things issue from it; all things return to it. To find the origin, trace back the manifestations. When you recognize the children and find the mother, you will be free of sorrow. If you close your mind in judgements and traffic with desires, your heart will be troubled. If you keep your mind from judging and aren't led by the senses, your heart will find peace. Seeing into darkness is clarity. Knowing how to yield is strength. Use your own light and return to the source of light. This is called practicing eternity.
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Return animosity with virtue.
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The one who is filled by virtue is like a newborn baby.
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True words aren't eloquent; eloquent words aren't true. Wise men don't need to prove their point; men who need to prove their point aren't wise. The Master has no possessions. The more he does for others, the happier he is. The more he gives to others, the wealthier he is. The Tao nourishes by not forcing. By not dominating, the Master leads.
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If you want to become full, let yourself be empty.
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He does not feel pity for himself - thus he can successfully develop.