Tao Te Ching

by Lao Tzu

Our primary and perhaps only true responsibility is to become individuals who are also conduits for the supreme creative power of the universe. All other responsibilities—for knowing the truth, for feeling the good, and for accomplishing what is useful and effective—must flow from this: in our external world, in our day-to-day lives, and within the recesses of our psychological makeup.

we can say that one of the first truths discovered in the practice of meditation is that the movement of return, the movement back toward one’s central self, is a subtle, elusive, and fleeting experience. It is constantly being overridden by the automatically acting aspects of the outward movement, especially the racing chaos of automatic thoughts. Even more subtle and elusive, yet of cardinal importance, is the experience of both forces together within oneself. The metaphysical symbol of this central experience is the yin-yang diagram as a whole. That experience is the knowledge and incarnation of the Tao considered as the whole, of nature and of oneself as the whole.

To be a warrior in the outer life, one must be a warrior in the inner life. To govern in the outer life, one must govern in the inner life. To be wise in the outer life, one must be wise in the inner life.

There is no greater sin than craving, No greater curse than discontent, No greater misfortune than wanting something for ourselves. Therefore those who know that enough is enough will always have enough.

FORTY-EIGHT In the pursuit of learning, something is acquired every day. In the pursuit of the Tao, every day something is relinquished. Less and less is done Until non-action is achieved. When nothing is done, nothing is left undone. The world is governed by letting things take their course. It cannot be governed through interference.

The more laws and restrictions there are, The poorer people become. The sharper men’s weapons, The more trouble in the land. The more ingenious and clever people are, The more strange things happen. The more rules and regulations, The more thieves and robbers. Therefore the wise one says: “I take no action and people behave themselves. I enjoy peace and people become honest. I do nothing and people become rich. I have no desires and people return to the good and simple life.”

SIXTY-SIX Why is the sea king of a hundred streams? Because it lies below them. Therefore it is the king of a hundred streams. If you would guide the people, you must serve with humility. If you would lead them, you must follow behind. In this way when you rule, the people will not feel oppressed; When you stand before them, they will not be harmed. The whole world will support you and will not tire of you. Because you do not compete, You will not have competition.

SEVENTY My words are easy to understand and easy to perform, Yet no one under heaven knows them or practices them. My words have ancient beginnings. My actions are disciplined. Because people do not understand, they have no knowledge of me. Those that know me are few; Those that abuse me are honored. Therefore the wise wear rough clothing and hold the jewel in their heart.