Lao Tzu Quotes
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I confess that there is nothing to teach: no religion, no science, no writings which will lead your mind back to Spirit. Today I speak this way, tomorrow that, but always the Path is beyond words and beyond mind.
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Clay is moulded to make a vessel, but the utility of the vessel lies in the space where there is nothing. . . . Thus, taking advantage of what is, we recognize the utility of what is not.
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Why are the people starving?- Because their grain is being eaten up by the taxes That's why they're starving Why are people rebellious?- Because those above them meddle in their lives That's why they're rebellious Why do people regard death so lightly?- Because they are so involved with their own living That's why they regard death so lightly In the end, The treasure of life is missed by those who hold on and gained by those who let go.
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The mystical techniques for achieving immortality are revealed only to those who have dissolved all ties to the gross worldly realm of duality, conflict, and dogma. As long as your shallow worldly ambitions exist, the door will not open.
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The world's big things only can be done by paying attention to their humble beginnings.
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Man's enemies are not demons, but human beings like himself.
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How could man rejoice in victory and delight in the slaughter of men?
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Rituals are the end of fidelity and honesty, and the beginning of confusion.
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Excellent conquerors do not engage.
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Do the difficult things while they are easy and do the great things while they are small. A journey of a thousand miles must begin with a single step.
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For the wise man looks into space and he knows there is no limited dimensions.
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To become learned, each day add something. To become enlightened, each day drop something.
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When the best leader's work is done the people say, 'We did it ourselves.'
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The usefulness of a pot comes from its emptiness.
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Good walking leaves no track behind it.
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In the highest antiquity, the people did not know that there were rulers. In the next age they loved them and praised them. In the next they feared them; in the next they despised them.
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Cultivate virtue in the world, and it will be universal.
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If the Great Way perishes there will morality and duty. When cleverness and knowledge arise great lies will flourish. When relatives fall out with one another there will be filial duty and love. When states are in confusion there will be faithful servants.
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He who knows much about others may be learned, but he who understands himself is more intelligent. He who controls others may be powerful, but he who has mastered himself is mightier still.
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He who talks more is sooner exhausted.
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When virtue is lost, benevolence appears, when benevolence is lost right conduct appears, when right conduct is lost, expedience appears. Expediency is the mere shadow of right and truth; it is the beginning of disorder.
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He who does not trust enough, Will not be trusted.
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The key to growth is the introduction of higher dimensions of consciousness into our awareness.
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Observe how endings become beginnings.