Lao Tzu Quotes
-
What people loathe the most is to be orphaned, desolate, unworthy. But this is what princes and kings call themselves.
-
Lay plans for the accomplishment of the difficult before it becomes difficult; make something big by starting with it when small.
-
Therefore: In dwelling, choose modest quarters, in thinking, value stillness, in dealing with others, be kind, in choosing words, be sincere, in leading, be just, in working, be competent, in acting, choose the correct timing. Follow these words and there will be no error.
-
. . . integral wisdom involves a direct participation in every moment: the observer and the observed are dissolved in the light of pure awareness, and no mental concepts or attitudes are present to dim that light.
-
Time is a created thing. To say 'I don't have time' is to say 'I don't want to.'
-
Embrace simplicity. Put others first. Desire little.
-
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.
-
The transformation toward eternal life is gradual. The heavy gross energy of body, mind, and spirit must first be purified and uplifted. When the energy ascends... then self mastery can be sought.
-
Care about people's approval and you will be their prisoner.
-
All streams flow to the sea because it is lower than they are. Humility gives it its power.
-
The more you know the less you understand.
-
Realize thy Simple Self, Embrace thy Original Nature.
-
The grandest virtue seems deficient.
-
Simplicity, patience, compassion. These three are your greatest treasures. Simple in actions and thoughts, you return to the source of being. Patient with both friends and enemies, you accord with the way things are. Compassionate toward yourself, you reconcile all beings in the world.
-
The nameless is the beginning of Heaven and Earth. The named is the mother of all things.
-
If you can let go of (the Tao) with your mind and surround it with your heart, it will live inside you forever.
-
People aren't against you; they are for themselves. The most dangerous risk of all - the risk of spending your life not doing what you want on the bet you can buy yourself the freedom to do it later. He who conquers others is strong, he who conquers himself is mighty.
-
Success is as dangerous as failure. Hope is as hollow as fear. What does it mean that success is a dangerous as failure? Whether you go up the ladder or down it, you position is shaky. When you stand with your two feet on the ground, you will always keep your balance. What does it mean that hope is as hollow as fear? Hope and fear are both phantoms that arise from thinking of the self. When we don't see the self as self, what do we have to fear? See the world as your self. Have faith in the way things are. Love the world as your self; then you can care for all things.
-
Know the white, But keep the black, Be an example to the world! Being an example to the world, Ever true and unwavering, Return to the infinite.
-
Letting the mind control the vital breath is called force.
-
If I have just an ounce of sense, I follow the great Way, and fear only to stray from it.
-
The leader is best, When people are hardly aware of his existence, Not so good when people praise his government, Less good when people stand in fear, Worst, when people are contemptuous. Fail to honor people, and they will fail to honor you. But of a good leader, who speaks little, When his work is done, his aim fulfilled, The people say, 'We did it ourselves.'
-
All action begins in rest... This is the ultimate truth.
-
Be content with an ordinary life.