The value of teaching without words and accomplishing without action is understood by few in the world. Laozi More Quotes by Laozi More Quotes From Laozi The superior leader keeps informed about everything but interferes hardly at all. Laozi interfere superiors leader Close your mouth, Laozi tao-te-ching block dust Whoever relies on the Tao in governing men doesn't try to force issues or defeat enemies by force of arms. For every force there is a counterforce. Violence, even well intentioned, always rebounds upon oneself. The Master does his job and then stops. He understands that the universe is forever out of control, and that trying to dominate events goes against the current of the Tao. Because he believes in himself, he doesn't try to convince others. Because he is content with himself, he doesn't need others' approval. Because he accepts himself, the whole world accepts him. Laozi jobs men believe Do nondoing, strive for non-stiving, savor the flavourless, make much of little, repay enmity with virture; plan for difficulty when it is still easy, do the great while it is still small. Laozi enmity simplicity littles One cannot reflect in streaming water. Only those who know internal peace can give it to others. Laozi spiritual inspirational peace The sage does not hoard. The more he helps others, the more he benefits himself, Having bestowed all he has on others, he has yet more; having given all he has to others, he is richer still. Laozi generosity helping-others doe Because he (the Sage) opposes no one, no one in the world can oppose him. Laozi sage taoism world The river and the sea can be kings of a hundred valleys, because they lie below them. Laozi kings sea lying The cords of passion and desire weave a binding net around you. Worldly confrontation makes you stiff and inflexible. The trap of duality is tenacious. Bound, rigid, and trapped, you cannot experience liberation. Laozi passion inspirational life Not valuing wealth prevents theft. Laozi theft taoism wealth A skillful commander is not overbearing. A skillful fighter does not become angry. A skillful conqueror does not compete with people. One who is skillful in using men puts himself below them. This is called the strength to use men. This is called matching Heaven, The highest principle of old. Laozi character men people When a country is in harmony with the Tao, the factories make trucks and tractors. When a country goes counter to the Tao, warheads are stockpiled outside the cities. There is no greater illusion than fear, no greater wrong than preparing to defend yourself, no greater misfortune than having an enemy. Whoever can see through all fear will always be safe. Laozi cities fear country The world's beginning is its mother. To have found the mother is also to know the children. Although you know the children, cling to the mother. Until your last day you will not be harmed. Laozi taoism mother children Not all spiritual paths lead to the harmonious Oneness. Indeed, most are detours and distractions, nothing more. Laozi oneness detours spiritual Governing a large country is like frying a small fish. You spoil it with too much poking. Center your country in the Tao and evil will have no power. Not that it isn't there, but you'll be able to step out of its way. Give evil nothing to oppose and it will disappear by itself. Laozi leadership evil country The Tao doesn't take sides; it gives birth to both good and evil. The Master doesn't take sides; she welcomes both saints and sinners. The Tao is like a bellows: it is empty yet infinitely capable. The more you use it, the more it produces; the more you talk of it, the less you understand. Hold on to the center. Laozi saint evil giving Chanting is no more holy than listening to the murmur of a stream, counting prayer beads no more sacred than simply breathing. . . . If you wish to attain oneness with the Tao, don't get caught up in spiritual superficialities. Laozi breathing prayer spiritual It is wealth to be content. Laozi wealth Knowledge studies others, wisdom is self known. Laozi known study self All things issue from it; all things return to it. To find the origin, trace back the manifestations. When you recognize the children and find the mother, you will be free of sorrow. If you close your mind in judgements and traffic with desires, your heart will be troubled. If you keep your mind from judging and aren't led by the senses, your heart will find peace. Seeing into darkness is clarity. Knowing how to yield is strength. Use your own light and return to the source of light. This is called practicing eternity. Laozi mother heart children