Laozi

The original text of the philosophy of Taoism, the classic Chinese guide to spiritual well-being is presented with a new translation

Tao Te Ching

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Not to value and employ men of superior ability is the way to keep the people from rivalry among themselves; not to prize articles which are difficult to procure is the way to keep them from becoming thieves; not to show them what is likely to excite their desires is the way to keep their minds from disorder.

eris

Suat ATAN

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matej yangwao

** spoiler alert **
           Trick of Tao is that it leaves interpretation on one's, thus everyone who go through have very own interpretation of it. 

≥The essence of Taoism is in the harmony and quiet

≥Taoism, on the other hand, focuses on complete opposites. It highlights the value of inner freedom, constant cultivation of the self, meditation, and staying in touch with the harmonies of the cosmos. Confucianism is harsh and rigid, but Taoism is soft and gentle.

≥The leading idea of Taoism is the belief that there is a simple way of attaining a healthier and better life, one that is gentle, kind, and harmonious.

≥To be in touch with Tao is to be in harmony with the fundamental laws of the universe.

≥Taoism denounces False Knowledge that weighs us down — excessive boundaries, superstitions, prejudices.

 ≥It is vital to remember that everyone measures the world by their own standards and to respect those differences.

≥The true and highest knowledge is to know that one does not and cannot know everything. It is to understand the limitations of words and the range of human comprehension. Accept the not-knowing and treat it as a gift.

≥To find Tao is to find the wordless truth within oneself.

≥Injustice, inequality, and constant contending have overrun our world. Those who have nothing crave to own things; those who own things crave to own other people. The rich look down on the poor, and the poor resent the rich.

≥Taoism suggests that if there were no money or goods to thrive for, people would leave behind their harmful ambitions, and if there were no fame and glory to reach for, people would abandon envy and jealousy.

≥Never dwell on the material things that are out of your reach. It is best to concentrate on what is already inside you — your soul, heart, and mind.

Wuwei, or strategic non-action is way to learn the value of stillness by observing the natural world.

≥Above all, Taoism also treasures Non-Action or wuwei. This isn’t, of course, a lazy attitude of literally doing nothing. Strategic Non-Action is an effortless, relaxed attitude towards life. Taoists accomplish a great deal by being in harmony with Tao and nature, and they find peace in the calmness of wuwei.

≥Instead of springing into frantic action, they observe the natural world and learn the value of stillness. Only when we know the importance of this can our actual doings be natural, balanced, and beneficial.

 ≥Only when we know the importance of this can our actual doings be natural, balanced, and beneficial.

≥Instead of striving to achieve a goal, we should take things as they come; we should let them unfold. If we succeed, well and good. If we fail, that is good too.


≥Another interesting Taoist principle is the idea of Non-Contending. Taoism encourages us to learn through the world around us. Virtually every technological accomplishment results from observing nature and then applying that knowledge elsewhere.

≥Non-Contending is a type of Non-Action and can be beautifully observed in how water behaves. By staying still and patient, water can conquer anything and benefit a myriad of other things. It is never in competition; it never strives to get to the top, glad to flow beneath plants and soil giving them life. Taoists encourage water-like behavior, and just as water brings moisture to every place, they treat everyone as equals, whether a friend or a stranger.

≥Those who embraced Tao are ready to give and expect nothing in return. Just like water, they do not strive to enrich themselves or benefit from others, and in doing so, they endure.

≥Like Tao, we can also be empty vessels containing everything and nothing simultaneously.

≥Taoists believe in the cyclical nature of things — the sundown must always follow sunrise; success must follow failure and vice versa. This calls for the need to learn how to let things go. A great example of this skill is hidden in the nature of a spring. It never tries to keep its waters to itself and always knows when to let them flow free. Similarly, we must also learn to move on and leave behind our triumphs and shortcomings alike. Dwelling on them does absolutely no good.

≥That which is filled to the brim will spill. That which is overly sharpened will break. Such extremes bring their own downfall. Eschew them. No one can hold on to wealth forever.

≥To let go means letting things take their natural course and surrender to the inevitable cycle of life. The path to true Tao is always the path of least resistance.

≥Enjoying senses without any restraint leads to a dulling of those senses.

≥It is by not believing others, by not trusting them, that you turn them into liars. Similarly, it is the “lack” of a quality in the ruler which creates in the people every other fault and crime.

≥A true Taoist is always happy to share the gifts of Tao while remaining in the shadows.

≥Lao-Tzu offers the followers of Taoism three invaluable treasures - compassion, frugality, and self-effacement. Together they make up the pillars of Taoist values. A Taoist is compassionate and kind, loves and treats everyone as equals, and, in doing so, can become truly courageous and loyal. A Taoist is also frugal - generous to a fault, large-minded. A frugal leader feels as if every tax raise means parting with their own money. And self-effacement for a Taoist means refusal outrightly to take charge and a lack of ambition to surpass the greatness of all under Heaven and Heaven itself. When people are all these things, they can obtain the True Tao and rejoice in it.

≥To understand others is wisdom; to know self is illumination. To vanquish others requires force; to vanquish self requires strength.

≥By being in touch with the universe and ourselves, we can become powerful tools that can change the world. Our role in transforming the universe is immeasurable — we do make a difference.

≥The teachings of Tao and Taoists are elusive and ineffable at first glance, but the more you read into them, the more you understand that they are the very essence of simplicity. Taoism encourages us to eliminate everything unnatural and restricting and everything that stops us from being who we are meant to be.

≥The True Tao is a healer, a source of hope for those who have strayed away from the truth; it is all-encompassing, kind, and forgiving. Unlike other religious philosophies, Taoism doesn’t dictate our every move and leaves much to interpretation. It’s all about trusting yourself to know what’s right and learning what Tao means to you. There is no specific guide to life that fits all. Therefore, Tao must also be unique.

≥Non-Action, Wordlessness, and Non-Contending are the main treasures of Taoism; they are the central ideas that can help us fight the chaos of life and find quiet harmony amidst it. Taoism’s goal is to help us still our minds through practicing mindfulness and self-cultivation because, according to Lao-Tzu, “to a mind that is still, the whole universe surrenders.”

≥Words exist because of meaning. Once you’ve caught the meaning, forget the words.

Tao Te Ching

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