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| Teachings of Lao Tzu [ ancient chinese philosopher, father of Taoism ] |
The skillful masters of Tao in ancient times with subtle penetration comprehended it's mysteries, and were deep also so as to elude men's knowledge, as they were thus beyond men's knowledge, they who preserve this method of Tao do not wish to be full of themselves, through their not being full of themselves they can afford to be seen worn and not appear new and complete. -Lao Tzu- |
The state of vacancy should be brought to the utmost degree, and that of stillness guarded with unwary vigor, all things alike go through their processes of activity and then we see them return to their original state. The knowledge of that unchanging rule produces a grand capacity, that capacity leads to a community of feeling with all things. -Lao Tzu- |
The skillful traveler leaves no trace of his footsteps, the skillful speaker says nothing that can be found fault with or blamed, the skillful reckoner uses no tallies, the skillful closer needs no bolts or bars. This is called the hiding the light procedure of Tao. -Lao Tzu- |
All things are produced from the Tao and nourished by it's outflowing operation, they receive their forms according to the nature of each, they are completed according to the circumstances of their condition. Therefore all things without any exception exalt the outflowing of the Tao. -Lao Tzu- |
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It is upon the empty space for the axle that the use of the wheel depends. Doors and windows are cut out from the walls to form an apartment, it is upon the empty space within that it's use depends. -Lao Tzu- |
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We meet it yet do not see it's front, we follow it yet do not see it's back, and when we lay hold of the Tao of old to direct the things of the present day, we are unable to know it as it was of old in the beginning. This is called the unwinding, the clue of Tao. -Lao Tzu- |
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Whereby the rivers and the seas are able to recieve the homage and the tribute of all the valley streams is their skill in being lower than they are. -Lao Tzu- |
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| Profound it is, Dark and obscure, Things essences all there endure, These essences the truth enfold, Of what when seen shall then be told, Now it is so that was of old, It's name what passes not away, So in their beautiful array, Things form and never know decay. -Lao Tzu- |
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