Lao Tzu Quotes
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Peace is our natural state of being.
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All things in nature work silently. They come into being and possess nothing. They fulfill their function and make no claim. All things alike do their work, and then we see them subside. When they have reached their bloom, each returns to its origin. . . . This reversion is an eternal law. To know that law is wisdom.
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Human being's essential nature is perfect and faultless.
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Kindness in thought leads to wisdom. Kindness in speech leads to eloquence. Kindness in action leads to love.
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The usefulness of the pot lies in its emptiness.
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Leadership is your ability to hide your panic from others.
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Use the light to return to clarity.
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Some help others in order to receive blessings and admiration. This is simply meaningless. Some cultivate themselves in part to serve others, in part to serve their own pride. They will understand, at best, half of the truth. But those who improve themselves for the sake of the world - to these, the whole truth of the universe will be revealed.
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The sage knows himself, but does not parade. He cherishes himself, but does not praise himself.
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The sage never strives for the great, and thereby the great is achieved.
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It is wisdom to know others. It is enlightenment to know oneself.
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I let go of all desire for the common good, and the good becomes as common as the grass.
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Those who flow as life flows know they need no other force.
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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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Nature does not have to insist.
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You will understand a great truth when you get to realize that what you do to others, you are doing to yourself.
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Who can rest until the moment of action?
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Freedom from desire leads to inner peace.
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Don't think you can attain total awareness and whole enlightenment without proper discipline and practice. This is egomania. Appropriate rituals channel your emotions and life energy toward the light. Without the discipline to practice them, you will tumble constantly backward into darkness.
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When you find the way/ others will find you./ Passing by on the road/ they will be drawn to your door./ The way that cannot be heard/ will be echoed in your voice./ The way that cannot be seen/ will be reflected in your eyes.
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The best of all teachers is the one who helps people so that eventually they don't need him.
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Where there is no conflict, there is no fault.
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Who can enjoy enlightenment and remain indifferent to suffering in the world? This is not in keeping with the Way. Only those who increase their service along with their understanding can be called men and women of Tao.
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In work, do what you enjoy.