Lao Tzu Quotes
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Peace and quiet are preferred. Victory should not be praised.
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In dwelling, live close to the ground. In thinking, keep to the simple.
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Those who know do not speak; Those who speak do not know. Stop up the openings, Close down the doors, Rub off the sharp edges. Unravel all confusion. Harmonize the light, Give up contention: This is called finding the unity of life.
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The higher the sun ariseth, the less shadow doth he cast; even so the greater is the goodness, the less doth it covet praise; yet cannot avoid its rewards in honors.
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Those who have hardened, have a covenant with Death. Those who remain gentle are conjoined with Life.
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Other people are joyous, like on the feast of the ox, like on the way up to the terrace in the spring. I alone am inert, giving no sign, like a newborn baby who has not learned to smile.
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The best fighter is never angry.
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If you are at peace, you are living in the present.
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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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Returning is the movement of the Way.
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Love is the greatest link that we have with those who have temporarily left us.
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The great image lacks shape.
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Warriors say: I dare not be like the host, but would rather be like the guest. I dare not advance an inch, but would rather retreat a foot.
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Close your mouth, block off your senses, blunt your sharpness, untie your knots, soften your glare, settle your dust. This is the primal identity.
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Not all spiritual paths lead to the harmonious Oneness. Indeed, most are detours and distractions, nothing more.
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The sage governs by emptying senses and filling bellies.
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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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The Master gives himself up to whatever the moment brings. He knows that he is going to die, and her has nothing left to hold on to: no illusions in his mind, no resistances in his body. He doesn't think about his actions; they flow from the core of his being. He holds nothing back from life; therefore he is ready for death, as a man is ready for sleep after a good day's work.
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Knowing that we don't know it's humility; thinking that we know what we don't know, is sickness.
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Too much success is not an advantage. Do not tinkle like jade Or clatter like stone chimes.
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Correct becomes defect. Good becomes ominous. People's delusions have certainly lasted long.
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Trying to understand is like straining through muddy water. Be still and allow the mud to settle.
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Those who are highly evolved, maintain an undiscriminating perception. Seeing everything, labeling nothing, they maintain their awareness of the Great Oneness. Thus they are supported by it.
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Chanting is no more holy than listening to the murmur of a stream, counting prayer beads no more sacred than simply breathing. . . . If you wish to attain oneness with the Tao, don't get caught up in spiritual superficialities.