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The Tao, Chapter 81
The Tao, Chapter 81 True words do not sound beautiful;beautiful sounding words are not true.Wise men don’t need to debate;men who need to debate are not wise.Wise men are not scholars,and scholars are not wise.The Master desires no possessions.Since the things she does are for the people,she has more than she needs.The more she gives…
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The Tao, Chapter 80
The Tao, Chapter 80 Small countries with few people are best.Give them all of the things they want,and they will see that they do not need them.Teach them that death is a serious thing,and to be content to never leave their homes.Even though they have plentyof horses, wagons and boats,they won’t feel that they need…
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The Tao, Chapter 79
The Tao, Chapter 79 Difficulties remain, even after solving a problem.How then can we consider that as good? Therefore the Masterdoes what she knows is right,and makes no demands of others.A virtuous person will do the right thing,and persons with no virtue will take advantage of others. The Tao does not choose sides;the good person…
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The Tao, Chapter 78
The Tao, Chapter 78 Water is the softest and most yielding substance.Yet nothing is better than water,for overcoming the hard and rigid,because nothing can compete with it. Everyone knows that the soft and yieldingovercomes the rigid and hard,but few can put this knowledge into practice. Therefore the Master says:“Only he who is the lowest servant…
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The Tao, Chapter 77
The Tao, Chapter 77 The Tao of Heaven works in the worldlike the drawing of a bow.The top is bent downward;the bottom is bent up.The excess is taken from,and the deficient is given to. The Tao works to use the excess,and gives to that which is depleted.The way of people is to take from the…
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The Tao, Chapter 76
The Tao, Chapter 76 The living are soft and yielding;the dead are rigid and stiff.Living plants are flexible and tender;the dead are brittle and dry. Those who are stiff and rigidare the disciples of death.Those who are soft and yieldingare the disciples of life. The rigid and stiff will be broken.The soft and yielding will…
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The Tao, Chapter 75
The Tao, Chapter 75 When people go hungry,the governments taxes are too high.When people become rebellious,the government has become too intrusive. When people begin to view death lightly,wealthy people have too muchwhich causes others to starve. Only those who do not cling to their life can save it. — Translated by J. H. McDonald
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The Tao, Chapter 74
The Tao, Chapter 74 If you do not fear death,then how can it intimidate you?If you aren’t afraid of dying,there is nothing you cannot do. Those who harm othersare like inexperienced boystrying to take the place of a great lumberjack.Trying to fill his shoes will only get them seriously hurt. — Translated by J. H.…
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The Tao, Chapter 73
The Tao, Chapter 73 Being over bold and confidant is deadly.The wise use of caution will keep you alive. One is the way to death,and the other is the way to preserve your life.Who can understand the workings of Heaven? The Tao of the universedoes not compete, yet wins;does not speak, yet responds;does not command,…
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The Tao, Chapter 72
The Tao, Chapter 72 When people become overly bold,then disaster will soon arrive. Do not meddle with peoples livelihood;by respecting them they will in turn respect you.Therefore, the Master knows herself but is not arrogant.She loves herself but also loves others.This is how she is able to make appropriate choices. — Translated by J. H.…
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The Tao, Chapter 71
The Tao, Chapter 71 Knowing you don’t know is wholeness.Thinking you know is a disease.Only by recognizing that you have an illnesscan you move to seek a cure. The Master is whole becauseshe sees her illnesses and treats them,and thus is able to remain whole. — Translated by J. H. McDonald
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The Tao, Chapter 70
The Tao, Chapter 70 My words are easy to understandand easier to put into practice.Yet no one in the world seem to understand them,and are not able to apply what I teach. My teachings come from the ancients,the things I do are done for a reason. Because you do not know me,you are not able…
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The Tao, Chapter 69
The Tao, Chapter 69 There is an old saying:“It is better to become the passivein order to see what will happen.It is better to retreat a footthan to advance only an inch.” This is calledbeing flexible while advancing,pushing back without using force,and destroying the enemy without engaging him.There is no greater disasterthan underestimating your enemy.…
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The Tao, Chapter 68
The Tao, Chapter 68 The best warriorsdo not use violence.The best generalsdo not destroy indiscriminately.The best tacticianstry to avoid confrontation.The best leadersbecomes servants of their people. This is called the virtue of non-competition.This is called the power to manage others.This is called attaining harmony with the heavens. — Translated by J. H. McDonald
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The Tao, Chapter 67
The Tao, Chapter 67 The world talks about honoring the Tao,but you can’t tell it from their actions.Because it is thought of as great,the world makes light of it.It seems too easy for anyone to use. There are three jewels that I cherish:compassion, moderation, and humility.With compassion, you are enabled to be brave,With moderation, you…
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The Tao, Chapter 66
The Tao, Chapter 66 Rivers and seas are rulersof the streams of hundreds of valleysbecause of the power of their low position. If you want to be the ruler of people,you must speak to them like you are their servant.If you want to lead other people,you must put their interest ahead of your own. The…
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The Tao, Chapter 65
The Tao, Chapter 65 The ancient Masterswho understood the way of the Tao,did not educate people, but made them forget. Smart people are difficult to guide,because they think they are too clever.To use cleverness to rule a country,is to lead the country to ruin.To avoid cleverness in ruling a country,is to lead the country to…
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The Tao, Chapter 64
The Tao, Chapter 64 Things are easier to control while things are quiet.Things are easier to plan far in advance.Things break easier while they are still brittle.Things are easier hid while they are still small. Prevent problems before they arise.Take action before things get out of hand.The tallest treebegins as a tiny sprout.The tallest buildingstarts…
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The Tao, Chapter 63
The Tao, Chapter 63 Act by not acting;do by not doing.Enjoy the plain and simple.Find that greatness in the small.Take care of difficult problemswhile they are still easy;Do easy things before they become too hard. Difficult problems are best solved while they are easy.Great projects are best started while they are small.The Master never takes…
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The Tao, Chapter 62
The Tao, Chapter 62 The Tao is the tabernacle of creation;it is a treasure for those who are good,and a place of refuge for those who are not. How can those who are not good be abandoned?Words that are beautiful are worth much,but good behavior can only be learned by example. When a new leader…
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The Tao, Chapter 61
The Tao, Chapter 61 A large country should take the low place like a great watershed,which from its low position assumes the female role.The female overcomes the male by the power of her position.Her tranquility gives rise to her humility. If a large country takes the low position,it will be able to influence smaller countries.…
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The Tao, Chapter 60
The Tao, Chapter 60 Governing a large countryis like frying small fish.Too much poking spoils the meat. When the Tao is used to govern the worldthen evil will lose its power to harm the people.Not that evil will no longer exist,but only because it has lost its power.Just as evil can loose its ability to…
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The Tao, Chapter 59
The Tao, Chapter 59 There is nothing better than moderationfor teaching people or serving Heaven.Those who use moderationare already on the path to the Tao. Those who follow the Tao earlywill have an abundance of virtue.When there is an abundance of virtue,there is nothing that cannot be done.Where there is limitless ability,then the kingdom is…
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The Tao, Chapter 58
The Tao, Chapter 58 If a government is unobtrusive,the people become whole.If a government is repressive,the people become treacherous. Good fortune has its roots in disaster,and disaster lurks with good fortune.Who knows why these things happen,or when this cycle will end?Good things seem to change into bad,and bad things often turn out for good.These things…
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The Tao, Chapter 57
The Tao, Chapter 57 Govern your country with integrity,Weapons of war can be used with great cunning,but loyalty is only won by not-doing.How do I know the way things are?By these: The more prohibitions you make,the poorer people will be.The more weapons you posses,the greater the chaos in your country.The more knowledge that is acquired,the…
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The Tao, Chapter 55
The Tao, Chapter 55 One who is filled with the Taois like a newborn child. The infant is protected fromthe stinging insects, wild beasts, and birds of prey.Its bones are soft, its muscles are weak,but its grip is firm and strong. It doesn’t know about the (sexual) unionof male and female,yet his penis can still…
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The Tao, Chapter 54
The Tao, Chapter 54 That which is well builtwill never be torn down.That which is well latchedcannot slip away.Those who do things wellwill be honored from generation to generation. If this idea is cultivated in the individual,then his virtue will become genuine.If this idea is cultivated in your family,then virtue in your family will be…
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The Tao, Chapter 53
The Tao, Chapter 53 If I understood only one thing,I would want to use it to follow the Tao.My only fear would be one of pride. The Tao goes in the level places,but people prefer to take the shortcuts. If too much time is spent cleaning the housethe land will become neglected and full of…
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The Tao, Chapter 52
The Tao, Chapter 52 The world had a beginningwhich we call the Great Mother.Once we have found the Mother,we begin to know what Her children should be. When we know we are the Mother’s child,we begin to guard the qualities of the Mother in us.She will protect us from all dangereven if we lose our…
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The Tao, Chapter 51
The Tao, Chapter 51 The Tao gives birth to all of creation.The virtue of Tao in nature nurtures them,and their family give them their form.Their environment then shapes them into completion.That is why every creature honors the Tao and its virtue. No one tells them to honor the Tao and its virtue,it happens all by…
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The Tao, Chapter 49
The Tao, Chapter 49 The Master has no mind of her own.She understands the mind of the people. To those who are good she treats as good.To those who aren’t good she also treats as good.This is how she attains true goodness. She trusts people who are trustworthy.She also trusts people who aren’t trustworthy.This is…
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The Tao, Chapter 48
The Tao, Chapter 48 One who seeks knowledge learns something new every day.One who seeks the Tao unlearns something new every day.Less and less remains until you arrive at non-action.When you arrive at non-action,nothing will be left undone. Mastery of the world is achievedby letting things take their natural course.You cannot master the world by…
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The Tao, Chapter 47
The Tao, Chapter 47 Without opening your door,you can know the whole world.Without looking out your window,you can understand the way of the Tao. The more knowledge you seek,the less you will understand. The Master understands without leaving,sees clearly without looking,accomplishes much without doing anything. — Translated by J. H. McDonald
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The Tao, Chapter 46
The Tao, Chapter 46 When the world follows the Tao,horses run free to fertilize the fields. When the world does not follow the Tao,war horses are bred outside the cities. There is no greater transgressionthan condoning people’s selfish desires,no greater disaster than being discontent,and no greater retribution than for greed. Whoever knows contentment will be…
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The Tao, Chapter 45
The Tao, Chapter 45 The greatest accomplishments seem imperfect,yet their usefulness is not diminished.The greatest fullness seems empty,yet it will be inexhaustible. The greatest straightness seems crooked.The most valued skill seems like clumsiness.The greatest speech seems full of stammers. Movement overcomes the cold,and stillness overcomes the heat. That which is imperfect is the universal ideal.…
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The Tao, Chapter 44
The Tao, Chapter 44 Which is more important, your honor or your life?Which is more valuable, your possessions or your person?Which is more destructive, success or failure? Because of this, great love extracts a great costand true wealth requires greater loss. Knowing when you have enough avoids dishonor,and knowing when to stop will keep you…
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The Tao, Chapter 43
The Tao, Chapter 43 That which offers no resistance,overcomes the hardest substances.That which offers no resistancecan enter where there is no space.Few in the world can comprehendthe teaching without words,or understand the value of non-action. — Translated by J. H. McDonald
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The Tao, Chapter 41
The Tao, Chapter 41 When a superior person hears of the Tao,She diligently puts it into practice.When an average person hears of the Tao,he believes half of it, and doubts the other half.When a foolish person hears of the Tao,he laughs out loud at the very idea.If he didn’t laugh,it wouldn’t be the Tao. Thus…
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The Tao, Chapter 40
The Tao, Chapter 40 All movement returns to the Tao.Weakness is how the Tao works. All of creation is born from substance.Substance is born of nothing-ness. — Translated by J. H. McDonald
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The Tao, Chapter 39
The Tao, Chapter 39 The masters of old attained unity with the Tao.Heaven attained unity and became pure.The earth attained unity and found peace.The spirits attained unity so they could minister.The valleys attained unity that they might be full.Humanity attained unity that they might flourish.Their leaders attained unity that they might set the example.This is…
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The Tao, Chapter 38
The Tao, Chapter 38 The highest good is not to seek to do good,but to allow yourself to become it.The ordinary person seeks to do good things,and finds that they cannot do them continually. The Master does not force virtue on others,thus she is able to accomplish her task.The ordinary person who uses force,will find…
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The Tao, Chapter 37
The Tao, Chapter 37 The Tao never acts with force,yet there is nothing that it cannot do. If rulers could follow the way of the Tao,then all of creation would willingly follow their example. If selfish desires were to arise after their transformation,I would erase them with the power of the Uncarved Block. By the…
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The Tao, Chapter 36
The Tao, Chapter 36 If you want something to return to the source,you must first allow it to spread out.If you want something to weaken,you must first allow it to become strong.If you want something to be removed,you must first allow it to flourish.If you want to possess something,you must first give it away. This…
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The Tao, Chapter 35
The Tao, Chapter 35 She who follows the way of the Taowill draw the world to her steps.She can go without fear of being injured,because she has found peace and tranquility in her heart. Where there is music and good food,people will stop to enjoy it.But words spoken of the Taoseem to them boring and…
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The Tao, Chapter 34
The Tao, Chapter 34 The great Tao flows unobstructed in every direction. All things rely on it to conceive and be born,and it does not deny even the smallest of creation. When it has accomplished great wonders,it does not claim them for itself. It nourishes infinite worlds,yet it doesn’t seek to master the smallest creature.…
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The Tao, Chapter 33
The Tao, Chapter 33 Those who know others are intelligent;those who know themselves are truly wise.Those who master others are strong;those who master themselves have true power. Those who know they have enough are truly wealthy. Those who persist will reach their goal. Those who keep their course have a strong will.Those who embrace death…
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The Tao, Chapter 32
The Tao, Chapter 32 The Tao is nameless and unchanging.Although it appears insignificant,nothing in the world can contain it. If a ruler abides by its principles,then her people will willingly follow.Heaven would then reign on earth,like sweet rain falling on paradise.People would have no need for laws,because the law would be written on their hearts.…
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The Tao, Chapter 31
The Tao, Chapter 31 Weapons are the bearers of bad news;all people should detest them. The wise man values the left side,and in time of war he values the right.Weapons are meant for destruction,and thus are avoided by the wise.Only as a last resortwill a wise person use a deadly weapon. If peace is her…
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The Tao, Chapter 30
The Tao, Chapter 30 Those who lead people by following the Taodon’t use weapons to enforce their will.Using force always leads to unseen troubles. In the places where armies march,thorns and briars bloom and grow.After armies take to war,bad years must always follow. The skillful commanderstrikes a decisive blow then stops.When victory is won over…
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The Tao, Chapter 29
The Tao, Chapter 29 Do you want to rule the world and control it?I don’t think it can ever be done. The world is a sacred vesseland it cannot be controlled.You will only make it worse if you try.It may slip through your fingers and disappear. Some are meant to lead,and others are meant to…
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The Tao, Chapter 28
The Tao, Chapter 28 Know the masculine,but keep to the feminine:and become a watershed to the world.If you embrace the world,the Tao will never leave youand you become as a little child. Know the white,yet keep to the black:be a model for the world.If you are a model for the world,the Tao inside you will…
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The Tao, Chapter 27
The Tao, Chapter 27 A good traveler leaves no tracks,and a skillful speaker is well rehearsed.A good bookkeeper has an excellent memory,and a well-made door is easy to open and needs no locks.A good knot needs no rope and it cannot come undone. Thus the Master is willing to help everyone,and doesn’t know the meaning…
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The Tao, Chapter 26
Chapter 26 Heaviness is the basis of lightness.Stillness is the standard of activity.Thus the Master travels all daywithout ever leaving her wagon.Even though she has much to see,she is at peace in her indifference. Why should the lord of a thousand chariotsbe amused at the foolishness of the world? If you abandon yourself to foolishness,you…
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The Tao, Chapter 25
The Tao, Chapter 25 Before the universe was bornthere 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 I do not know it’s name,I call it the Tao.If forced to give it a name,I would call…
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The Tao, Chapter 24
The Tao, Chapter 24 Those who stand on tiptoesdo not stand firmly.Those who rush aheaddon’t get very far.Those who try to out shine othersdim their own light.Those who call themselves righteouscan’t know how wrong they are.Those who boast of their accomplishmentsdiminishes the things they have done.Compared to the Tao, these actions are unworthy. If we…
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The Tao, Chapter 23
The Tao, Chapter 23 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 littlewhen nature does much in a little time?If you open yourself to the Tao,you and…
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The Tao, Chapter 22
The Tao, Chapter 22 If you want to become whole,first let yourself become broken.If you want to become straight,first let yourself become twisted.If you want to become full,first let yourself become empty.If you want to become new,first let yourself become old.Those whose desires are few gets them,those whose desires are great go astray. For this…
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The Tao, Chapter 21
The Tao, Chapter 21 The greatest virtue you can havecomes from following only the Tao;which takes a form that is intangible and evasive.Even though the Tao is intangible and evasive,we are able to know it exists.Intangible and evasive, yet it has a manifestation.Secluded and dark, yet there is a vitality within it.Its vitality is very…
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The Tao, Chapter 20
The Tao, Chapter 20 Renounce knowledge and your problems will end.What is the difference between yes and no?What is the difference between good and evil?Must you fear what others fear?Nonsense, look how far you have missed the mark!Other people are joyous,as though they were at a spring festival.I alone am unconcerned and expressionless,like an infant…
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The Tao, Chapter 19
The Tao, Chapter 19 Forget about knowledge and wisdom,and people will be a hundred times better off.Throw away charity and righteousness,and people will return to brotherly love.Throw away profit and greed,and there won’t be any thieves.These three are superficial and aren’t enoughto keep us at the center of the circle, so we must also:Embrace simplicity.Put…
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The Tao, Chapter 18
The Tao, Chapter 18 When the great Tao is abandoned,charity and righteousness appear.When intellectualism arises,hypocrisy is close behind.When there is strife in the family unit,people talk about ‘brotherly love’.When the country falls into chaos,politicians talk about ‘patriotism’. — Translated by J. H. McDonald
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The Tao, Chapter 17
The Tao, Chapter 17 The best leaders are those the people hardly know exist.The next best is a leader who is loved and praised.Next comes the one who is feared.The worst one is the leader that is despised.If you don’t trust the people,they will become untrustworthy.The best leaders value their words, and use them sparingly.When…
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The Tao, Chapter 16
The Tao, Chapter 16 If you can empty your mind of all thoughtsyour heart will embrace the tranquility of peace.Watch the workings of all of creation,but contemplate their return to the source.All creatures in the universereturn to the point where they began.Returning to the source is tranquilitybecause we submit to Heaven’s mandate.Returning to Heaven’s mandate…
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The Tao, Chapter 15
The Tao, Chapter 15 The Sages of old were profoundand knew the ways of subtlety and discernment.Their wisdom is beyond our comprehension.Because their knowledge was so far superiorI can only give a poor description.They were carefulas someone crossing a frozen stream in winter.Alert as if surrounded on all sides by the enemy.Courteous as a guest.Fluid…
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The Tao, Chapter 14
The Tao, Chapter 14 Look for it, and it can’t be seen.Listen for it, and it can’t be heard.Grasp for it, and it can’t be caught.These three cannot be further described,so we treat them as The One.It’s highest is not bright.It’s depths are not dark.Unending, unnameable, it returns to nothingness.Formless forms, and image less images,subtle,…
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The Tao, Chapter 13
The Tao, Chapter 13 Success is as dangerous as failure,and we are often our own worst enemy.What does it mean that success is as dangerous as failure?He who is superior is also someone’s subordinate.Receiving favor and losing it both cause alarm.That is what is meant by success is as dangerous as failure.What does it mean…
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The Tao, Chapter 12
The Tao, Chapter 12 Five colors blind the eye.Five notes deafen the ear.Five flavors make the palate go stale.Too much activity deranges the mind.Too much wealth causes crime.The Master acts on what she feels and not what she sees.She shuns the latter, and prefers to seek the former. — Translated by J. H. McDonald
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The Tao, Chapter 11
The Tao, Chapter 11 Thirty spokes are joined together in a wheel,but it is the center holethat allows the wheel to function.We mold clay into a pot,but it is the emptiness insidethat makes the vessel useful.We fashion wood for a house,but it is the emptiness insidethat makes it livable.We work with the substantial,but the emptiness…
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The Tao, Chapter 10
The Tao, Chapter 10 Nurture the darkness of your souluntil you become whole.Can you do this and not fail?Can you focus your life-breath until you becomesupple as a newborn child?While you cleanse your inner visionwill you be found without fault?Can you love people and lead themwithout forcing your will on them?When Heaven gives and takes…
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The Tao, Chapter 9
The Tao, Chapter 9 It is easier to carry an empty cupthan one that is filled to the brim.The sharper the knifethe easier it is to dull.The more wealth you possessthe harder it is to protect.Pride brings it’s own trouble.When you have accomplished your goalsimply walk away.This is the pathway to Heaven. — Translated by…
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The Tao, Chapter 8
The Tao, Chapter 8 The supreme good is like water,which benefits all of creationwithout trying to compete with it.It gathers in unpopular places.Thus it is like the Tao.The location makes the dwelling good.Depth of understanding makes the mind good.A kind heart makes the giving good.Integrity makes the government good.Accomplishments make your labors good.Proper timing makes…
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The Tao, Chapter 6
The Tao, Chapter 6 The spirit of emptiness is immortal.It is called the Great Motherbecause it gives birth to Heaven and Earth.It is like a vapor,barely seen but always present.Use it effortlessly. — Translated by J. H. McDonald
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The Tao, Chapter 5
The Tao, Chapter 5 Heaven and Earth are impartial;they treat all of creation as straw dogs.The Master doesn’t take sides;she treats everyone like a straw dog.The space between Heaven and Earth is like a bellows;it is empty, yet has not lost its power.The more it is used, the more it produces;the more you talk of…
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The Tao, Chapter 4
The Tao, Chapter 4 The Tao is like an empty container:it can never be emptied and can never be filled.Infinitely deep, it is the source of all things.It dulls the sharp, unties the knotted,shades the lighted, and unites all of creation with dust.It is hidden but always present.I don’t know who gave birth to it…
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The Tao, Chapter 3
The Tao, Chapter 3 If you overly esteem talented individuals,people will become overly competitive.If you overvalue possessions,people will begin to steal.Do not display your treasuresor people will become envious.The Master leads byemptying people’s minds;filling their bellies,weakening their ambitions,and making them become strong.Preferring simplicity and freedom from desires,avoiding the pitfalls of knowledge and wrong action.For those…
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The Tao, Chapter 2
The Tao, Chapter 2 When people see things as beautiful,ugliness is created.When people see things as good,evil is created.Being and non-being produce each other.Difficult and easy complement each other.Long and short define each other.High and low oppose each other.Fore and aft follow each other.Therefore the Mastercan act without doing anythingand teach without saying a word.Things…
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The Tao, Chapter 1
The Tao, Chapter 1 The tao that can be describedis not the eternal Tao.The name that can be spokenis not the eternal Name.The nameless is the boundary of Heaven and Earth.The named is the mother of creation.Freed from desire, you can see the hidden mystery.By having desire, you can only see what is visibly real.Yet…
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Angel-Sansara 