Self-discipline leads to higher spiritual states only if practiced with under- standing. The clearer the goal, the greater the result. Ming-Dao Deng More Quotes by Ming-Dao Deng More Quotes From Ming-Dao Deng All teachings are mere references. The true experience is living your own life. Then, even the holiest of words are only words. Ming-Dao Deng teachingteacherinspirational It is too facile to say that the way to follow Tao is to simply go along with the flow of life. Sometimes, like the carp, we must know when to go it alone. Ming-Dao Deng taoflowway Some Warriors look fierce, but are mild. Some seem timid, but are vicious. Look beyond appearances; position yourself for the advantage. Ming-Dao Deng warriorfightinglooks The moon does not fight. It attacks no one. It does not worry. It does not try to crush others. It keeps to its course, but by its very nature, it gently influences. What other body could pull an entire ocean from shore to shore? The moon is faithful to its nature and its power is never diminished. Ming-Dao Deng crushoceanfighting A tree uses what comes its way to nurture itself. By sinking its roots deeply into the earth, by accepting the rain that flows towards it, by reaching out to the sun, the tree perfects its character and becomes great. ... Absorb, absorb, absorb. That is the secret of the tree. Ming-Dao Deng rootsraincharacter We need faith, not because there are beings who will punish us or reward us, but because gods are a wonderful way of describing things that are happening to us. Ming-Dao Deng rewardswayneeds You may be capable of great things, But life consists of small things. Ming-Dao Deng small-thingsgreat-thingsmay Only when peace lives within each of us, will it live outside of us. We must be the wombs for a new harmony. When it is small, peace is fragile. Like a baby, it needs nurturing attention. We must protect peace from violence and perversion if it is to grow. We must be strong to do this. But force, even in the name of honor, is always tragic. Instead, we must use the strength of wisdom and conscience. Only that power can nurture peace in this difficult time. Ming-Dao Deng strongbabypeace Whether we remain the ash or become the phoenix is up to us. Ming-Dao Deng phoenixashes Who you are is always right. Ming-Dao Deng who-you-are Once we make our decision, all things will come to us. Auspicious signs are not a superstition, but a confirmation. They are a response. Ming-Dao Deng confirmationsuperstitionsdecision When it is time to part, then it is time to part. There should be no regrets. The beauty of marriage is like the fleeting perfection of a snowflake. Ming-Dao Deng fleetingregretperfection Muddy water will become clear if allowed to stand undisturbed, and so too will the mind become clear if it is allowed to be still. Ming-Dao Deng clearmindwater There is no language of the holy. The sacred lies in the ordinary. Ming-Dao Deng gardenlyingreligion Those truly linked don't need correspondence. When they meet again after many years apart, Their friendship is as true as ever. Ming-Dao Deng real-friendsfriendshipyears Worry is an addiction that interferes with compassion. Ming-Dao Deng addictioncompassionworry Expression is never helped by suppression. Ming-Dao Deng suppressionfeel-goodexpression Those who don't know how to suffer are the worst off. There are times when the only correct thing we can do is to bear out troubles until a better day. Ming-Dao Deng better-dayssufferingbears An ancient gnarled tree: Too fibrous for a logger's saw, Too twisted to fit a carpenter's square, Outlasts the whole forest. Ming-Dao Deng taoismsquarestree Give back what you have learned. Share your experience. Ming-Dao Deng giving-backexperiencegiving
