“Life is a series of natural and spontaneous changes. Don't resist them; that only creates sorrow. Let reality be reality. Let things flow naturally forward 

in whatever way they like.” 

 

- Lao Tzu

 

 

 

"Therefore the sage travels all day yet 

never leaves her provision-cart. In the midst of honor and glory, she lives leisurely, undisturbed." 

 

- Lao Tzu

Chapter 26

 

Wisdom from the Tao Te Ching [Chapter 16]

 

Wisdom from the Tao Te Ching [Chapter 16]

 

George Thompson

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"Those who are contented 

are never disappointed." 

- Lao Tzu

Lao Tzu Riding an Ox

The Tao Te Ching (Dáodé Jing) 

is a 6th century BCE document credited to 

Lao Tzu, the founder of Taoism. It has 81 

poetic chapters on the mysteries of nature, paradox, the universe, and the Tao (the way or order of the universe) and has become a cornerstone of Taoist philosophy. Today it is one of the most translated 

books in world literature and offers insights into the nature of Tai Chi and Qigong. 

 

“Trying to understand is like 

straining through muddy water. 

Have the patience to wait! 

Be still and allow the mud to settle.” 

- Lao Tzu, Tao Te Ching

 

"Less and less is done, 

until non-action is achieved. 

When nothing is done, 

nothing is left undone." 

- Lao Tzu 

- Photo: Michael Kenna

"Balance is challenging in life... 

how to balance the outer with the inner, 

the performer with the writer, 

the socialite with the monk."

- TaiChi_John

 

"The Tao is like a well: 

used but never used up. 

It is like the eternal void:

filled with infinite possibilities." 

- Lao Tzu

“Knowing others is intelligence; 

knowing yourself is true wisdom. 

Mastering others is strength; 

mastering yourself is true power.” 

- Lao Tzu, Tao Te Ching

"The way is always present, 

but you will not find it 

unless you are as well."

"To be one with the Tao 

is to be one with what is. 

What is is constantly in motion."

"To harmonize with the Tao 

we must have a greater 

sensitivity to change."

"Where there is silence, 
one finds the anchor 
of the universe."

- Lao Tzu,

 From the Tao Te Ching

"The softest thing in the world 

can overcome the hardest." 

- Lao Tzu, Tao Te Ching

 

"The bamboo that bends 

is stronger than the oak that resists." 

- Chinese Proverb

 

"Just remain in the center; 

watching. 

And then forget 

that you are there."

- Lao Tzu

Wu Wei – Doing Nothing 無爲 

A good life could not be attained by 

wu wei alone – but this Daoist concept 

captures a distinctive wisdom we may 

at times be in desperate need of, when 

we are in danger of damaging ourselves 

through an overly stern and unyielding 

adherence to ideas which simply cannot 

fit the demands of the world as it is.

"Returning is the motion 

of the Tao. 

Yielding is the way 

of the Tao." 

- Lao Tzu, The Tao Te Ching

- Image: Assi Ben Borat

"A scholar who cherishes 

the love of comfort 

is not fit to be 

deemed a scholar." 

- Lao Tzu