Quotes from Laozi

ALL things in Nature work silently. They come into being and possess nothing. They fulfil their functions and make no claim.

One who lives in accordance with nature does not go against the way of things but moves in harmony with the present moment.

The one who does not stray away from her/his nature will live long.

Realize thy Simple Self, Embrace thy Original Nature.

A violent wind does not outlast the morning; a squall of rain does not outlast the day. Such is the course of Nature. And if Nature herself cannot sustain her efforts long, how much less can man!

It is the child that sees the primordial secret in Nature and it is the child of ourselves we return to. The child within us is simple and daring enough to live the Secret.

Because clarity and enlightenment are within your own nature, they are regained without moving an inch.

Nature does not have to insist.

Of all things, none does not revere the Way and honor virtue. Reverence of the Way and honoring virtue were not demanded of them, but it is in their nature.

Nature is not anthropomorphic.

Have patience. Wait until the mud settles and the water is clear. Remain unmoving until right action arises by itself.

Trying to understand is like straining through muddy water. Be still and allow the mud to settle.

When there is no desire, all things are at peace

I am at peace, and people become fair by themselves.

Freedom from desire leads to inner peace.

Empty your mind of all thoughts. Let your heart be at peace. Watch the turmoil of beings, but contemplate their return.

If you scramble about in search of inner peace, you will lose your inner peace.

If you close your mind in judgements and traffic with desires, your heart will be troubled. If you keep your mind from judging and aren't led by the senses, your heart will find peace.

Peace is our natural state of being.

Peace and quiet govern the world.

Simplicity has no name is free of desires. Being free of desires it is tranquil. And the world will be at peace of it's own accord.

Tao invariably takes no action, and yet there is nothing left undone.

(The Tao) is always present and always available. . . . If you are willing to be lived by it, you will see it everywhere, even in the most ordinary things.

Being satisfied with little, you can gain much. Seeking much you will go astray. The wise heeds this precept. If it could be so with all people!