Lao Tzu Quotes
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. . . 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.
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Simplicity has no name is free of desires. Being free of desires it is tranquil. And the world will be at peace of it's own accord.
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For all things difficult to acquire, the intelligent man works with perseverance.
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The small is easy to scatter.
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The great Way is easy, yet people prefer the side paths. Be aware when things are out of balance. Stay centered within the Tao. When rich speculators prosper While farmers lose their land; when government officials spend money on weapons instead of cures; when the upper class is extravagant and irresponsible while the poor have nowhere to turn- all this is robbery and chaos. It is not in keeping with the Tao.
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Knowing others is intelligence; knowing yourself is true wisdom. Mastering others is strength; mastering yourself is true power.
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Going back to the origin is called peace; it means reversion to destiny. Reversion to destiny is called eternity. Those who know eternity are called enlightened.
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Lay plans for the accomplishment of the difficult before it becomes difficult; make something big by starting with it when small.
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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.
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A good traveler has no fixed plans and is not intent upon arriving. A good artist lets his intuition lead him wherever it wants. A good scientist has freed himself of concepts and keeps his mind open to what is.
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Loving, hating, having expectations: all these are attachments. Attachment prevents the growth of one's true being.
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Wise travelers always stop short before they come to danger.
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All action begins in rest... This is the ultimate truth.
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Keep behind, and you shall be put in front; keep out, and you shall be kept in.
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Can you care for the people and rule the country and not be cunning?
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To be of few words is natural.
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Knowing the bright, but clinging to the dark, you become a model to the world.
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With virtue and quietness one may conquer the world.
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The nameless is the beginning of Heaven and Earth. The named is the mother of all things.
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Not-knowing is true knowledge. Presuming to know is a disease. First realize that you are sick; then you can move toward health.
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The Tao is told is not the Tao.
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Understand this if nothing else: spiritual freedom and oneness with the Tao are not randomly bestowed gifts, but the rewards of conscious self-transformation and self-evolution.
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There are many paths to enlightenment. Be sure to take the one with a heart.
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No thought, no action, no movement, total stillness: only thus can one manifest the true nature and law of things from within and unconsciously, and at last become one with heaven and earth.