Tao lies hid and cannot be named, yet it has the power of transmuting and perfecting all things. Tao is a great square with no angles, a great vessel which takes long to complete, a great sound which cannot be heard, a great image with no form. Weakness is the character of Tao.Īll things under Heaven derive their being from Tao in the form of Existence Tao in the form of Existence sprang from Tao in the form of Non-Existence. Not visible to the sight, not audible to the ear, in its use it is inexhaustible. They will come and receive no hurt, but find rest, peace, and tranquility. The whole world will flock to him who holds the mighty form of Tao. Tao as it exists in the world is like the great rivers and seas which receive the streams from the valleys. Knowing how to rest in it, they will run no risk of harm. When it once has a name, men will know how to rest in it. How do I know this about the beginning of things? Through Tao.Īs soon as Tao creates order, it becomes nameable. It watches over the beginning of all things. The mightiest manifestations of active force flow solely from Tao.įrom of old until now, its name has never passed away. These three qualities cannot be apprehended, and hence they may be blended into unity. It eludes the sense of touch, and is therefore called incorporeal. It eludes the sense of hearing, and is therefore called soundless. Tao eludes the sense of sight, and is therefore called colorless. It appears to have been anterior to any Sovereign Power. How pure and clear is Tao! It would seem to be everlasting. How unfathomable is Tao! It seems to be the ancestral progenitor of all things. This sameness is a mystery-the mystery of mysteries. These two things, the spiritual and the material, though we call them by different names, in their origin are one and the same. Only one who is eternally free from earthly passions can apprehend its spiritual essence he who is ever clogged by passions can see no more than its outer form. Without a name, it is the Beginning of Heaven and Earth with a name, it is the Mother of all things. The Tao which can be expressed in words is not the eternal Tao the name which can be uttered is not its eternal name. The Spiritual and the Material Aspect of Tao (20 Quotes) We used the translations, selection and categorization by noted sinologist Herbert Allan Giles (from the book Gems of Chinese Literature) as a foundation for our choice.Įnjoy! Tao Te Ching Quotes on Tao, Humility, Government and Himself #1. In addition, it is also one of the most translated works in world literature.Īfter summarizing it a few days ago, inspired by the interest for that article, we decided to provide you with a selection of the 100 most enlightening and thought-provoking quotes from this magnificient book. We can have many things, but what really enriches a person is to be able to share those things with others and use them to support other people’s growth.The Tao Te Ching – also known as Daode Jing – is an ancient Chinese text purportedly written by Laozi, aka Lao Tzu, a mystical 6 th century philosopher and sage.Įven though rather brief – merely 81 chapters – and, at times, almost impenetrable – who knows how many books have been written to interpret it – the Tao Te Ching is widely considered one of the most important Chinese philosophical works ever written. This quote says that the tendency that some men have to accumulate things selfishly only leads to one thing: impoverishment. The more he gives to others, the wealthier he is”. The more he does for others, the happier he is. It expresses the following: “The Master has no possessions. This is one of those Laozi quotes that call for detachment and not depending on material things. Here are some of the best ones! Accumulation Others, on the other hand, are quite direct. Many Laozi quotes can be difficult to understand. It seeks to illustrate the “natural order” of things and the harmonious functioning of the universe. It’s presented in several Eastern currents of thought such as Confucianism, Buddhism, and Zen. The word “ Tao” can be translated as “way”, “doctrine”, or “method”. That’s basically what the Tao represents, an inventory of lessons that may make our passage through the world more significant and worthwhile. That’s why those who follow them and the Tao live fulfilled lives, which is also beneficial for those around them. Most Laozi quotes are aimed at pointing out principles for good living.
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