Category Archives: Tao Te Ching

1. He who is aware of the Male But keeps to the Female Becomes the ravine of the world. Being the ravine of the world, He has the original character (teh) which is not cut up. And returns again to … Continue reading →

  1. On Stealing the Light A good runner leaves no track. A good speech leaves no flaws for attack. A good reckoner makes use of no counters. A well-shut door makes use of no bolts, And yet cannot be … Continue reading →

1. The Solid is the root of the light; The Quiescent is the master of the Hasty. Therefore the Sage travels all day Yet never leaves his provision-cart. In the midst of honor and glory, He lives leisurely, undisturbed. How … Continue reading →

1. Before the universe was born there was something in the chaos of the heavens. It stands alone and empty, solitary and unchanging. It is ever present and secure. It may be regarded as the Mother of the universe. Because … Continue reading →

  1. Those who stand on tiptoes do not stand firmly. Those who rush ahead don’t get very far. Those who try to outshine others dim their own light. Those who call themselves righteous can’t know how wrong they are. … Continue reading →

1. Nature uses few words: when the gale blows, it will not last long; when it rains hard, it lasts but a little while; What causes these to happen? Heaven and Earth. Why do we humans go on endlessly about … Continue reading →

Yield and remain whole Bend and remain straight Be low and become filled Be worn out and become renewed Have little and receive Have much and be confused Therefore the sages hold to the one as an example for the … Continue reading →

The virtuous Master lives according to Tao. Tao is entirely elusive, very indistinct. Vague, though its center contains form. Vague and elusive, though its center has substance.Deeply hidden in its center is a life force. Its essence is very real … Continue reading →

If you do not attend your real life in work and mind you will not be rooted. You will spin like leaves in a chaos of wind churning above the root. When business and busyness satisfy, the people happily busy … Continue reading →

Eliminate holiness and abandon wisdom, and everyone will benefit a hundred times over. Eliminate philanthropy and proper behavior and the people will return to true devotion. Eliminate cleverness and abandon profits, and thieves will disappear. These three things are false … Continue reading →