Lao Tzu Quotes
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Why do the people think so little of death? Because the rulers demand too much of life. Therefore the people take death lightly.
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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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There was something formless and perfect before the universe was born. It is serene. Empty. Solitary. Unchanging. Infinite. Eternally present. It is the mother of the universe. For lack of a better name, I call it the Tao. It flows through all things, inside and outside, and returns to the origin of all things. The Tao is great. The universe is great. Earth is great. Man is great. These are the four great powers. Man follows the earth. Earth follows the universe. The universe follows the Tao. The Tao follows only itself.
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Why did the ancients praise the Way? Did they not say it was because you find what you seek and are saved from your wrongdoings?
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He who gains a victory over other men is strong; but he who gains a victory over himself is all powerful.
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A tree that is unbending, is easily broken.
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Practice non-action. Work without doing.
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By steadily disciplining the animal nature, until it becomes one pointed, it is possible to establish conscious awareness of The Eternal.
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Mastering others is strength. Mastering oneself makes you fearless.
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He who knows enough is enough will always have enough.
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Those who defeat others are strong, those who defeat themselves are mighty.
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The sage never strives for the great, and thereby the great is achieved.
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Although there are weapons for tens and hundreds of soldiers, they will not be used.
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One's own self or material goods, which has more worth? Loss (of self) or possession (of goods), which is the greater evil? He who loves most, spends most, He who hoards much loses much.
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Only I am clumsy, like drifting on the waves of the sea, without direction.
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When wisdom and knowledge appear, great pretense arises.
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The Tao gives birth to One. One gives birth to yin and yang. Yin and yang give birth to all things... The complete whole is the complete whole. So also is any part the complete whole... But forget about understanding and harmonizing and making all things one. The universe is already a harmonious oneness; just realize it.
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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 Great Tao flows everywhere, to the left and to the right, all things depend on it to exist, and it does not abandon them. To its accomplishments it lays no claims. It loves and nourished all things, but does not lord it over them.
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A good mooring needs no knot, still no one can untie it.
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The way is light and fluid for the man with no preferences.
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If you want to know me, look inside your heart.
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Those who have compassion when they do battle will be victorious. Those who likewise defend themselves will be safe. Heaven will rescue and protect them with compassion.
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If you have really attained wholeness, everything will flock to you.