Category Archives: Tao Te Ching

Quotes and comments on the Tao Te Ching

Tao 15 Clarify by Quieting

Clarify troubled waters by slowly quieting them.

Be content, be able to mature without desire to be newly fashioned.

Be ready to adapt like ice at the point of melting.

After gaining calmness of mind by concentration, who can gradually pass from its calmness into the activities of life and always retain the same calmness of mind?

Who is able to impart unending life to that which is at rest by setting it in perpetual motion?

Be unpretentious like wood that has not been fashioned into anything…

Since one is not filled, therefore one may grow old,; without renewal he is complete.

 

Tao 11 The value in reality is immateriality

The things of value yield no peace.

The things of no value yield peace.

Take away desire and want and receive peace and satisfaction.

Pursue satisfaction and indulgence in desire, and peace will continue to be lost to you.

Seek the utility of the neglected corner and she will serve you without complaint.

Long for notice and comfort and you can expect abandonment and self induced pain.

The path to happiness is plain and stark, do not try to add one thing or ask for more.  Find it within and unencumbered and you can keep it.  Require accoutrements and refinements and it will divorce you.