Lao Tzu, the founder of Taoism, was a great philosopher and poet of ancient China.
Lao Tzu has made a considerable difference in my life. His sayings somehow made their way to me during difficult times—which is especially powerful given that, during moments of sorrow and challenge, it is often difficult to let others help us.
Today, Taoism has become a large part in many people’s lives. Many see Lao Tzu as an infinite and divine teacher. This old master’s sole purpose was to bring harmony and balance to the world. He wanted others to be lead into a life lead by truth and wisdom.
I believe that Taoism is about an authentic way of being—more than mere philosophy or religious theory. It teaches us how to go with the flow of life. I found it interesting as it taught me how to accept myself, others and the universe I am living in. Moreover, it taught me how to live my present moment and how to accept it as the only weapon I have now. It showed me the truth in a clear and simple.
Taoism doesn’t focus on terms as much as it does on meaning. If we come to understand the meaning behind things, we will be lead on a beneficial path.
Lao Tzu succeeded in reforming the minds of many people who needed intellectual guidance. Today, in the modern society we live in, I think we need to go back to the times of Ancient China and reflect upon what its great philosophers had preached. Lao Tzu indeed provided us with remarkable philosophies, but truth is, he provided us with a way of life. The wisdom of Tao outweighs any religion or any philosophy.
Lao Tzu teaches people self-love, strength and acceptance. He teaches us how to live in peace and harmony with everything and everyone.
In these times of worry, fear of the future, hate and self-doubt, Lao Tzu can offer us noted guidance.
On our journeys in life:
“The road you can talk about is not the road you can walk on.”
“A good traveler has no fixed plans, and is not intent on arriving.”
“If you do not change direction, you may end up where you are heading.”
“The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step.”
On identity:
“At the center of your being you have the answer; you know who you are and you know what you want.”
“Knowing others is wisdom, knowing yourself is Enlightenment.”
“He who conquers others is strong; He who conquers himself is mighty.”
“Mastering others is strength. Mastering yourself is true power.”
“When you are content to be simply yourself and don’t compare or compete, everybody will respect you.”
On acceptance:
“Be Content with what you have; rejoice in the way things are. When you realize there is nothing lacking, the whole world belongs to you.”
“Do not look only at yourself, and you will see much. Do not justify yourself, and you will be distinguished. Do not brag, and you will have merit. Do not be prideful, and your work will endure.”
On letting go:
“By letting it go it all gets done. The world is won by those who let it go. But when you try and try. The world is beyond the winning.”
“When I let go of what I am, I become what I might be.”
On love:
“Love is of all passions the strongest, for it attacks simultaneously the head, the heart and the senses.”
“The reason why the universe is eternal is that it does not live for itself; it gives life to others as it transforms.”
On balance:
“Fill your bowl to the brim and it will spill. Keep sharpening your knife and it will blunt.”
On the importance of silence.
“Silence is a source of great strength.”
“He who knows, does not speak. He who speaks, does not know.”
On patience:
“I have just three things to teach: simplicity, patience, compassion. These three are your greatest treasures.”
“Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished.”
“Do you have the patience to wait until your mud settles and the water is clear?”
On wisdom:
“The further one goes, the less one knows.”
“Success is as dangerous as failure.”
On strength:
“Nothing is softer or more flexible than water, yet nothing can resist it.”
“The best fighter is never angry.”
“Some lose yet gain, others gain and yet lose.”
“If you realize that all things change, there is nothing you will try to hold on to. If you are not afraid of dying, there is nothing you cannot achieve.”
“Give evil nothing to oppose and it will disappear by itself.”
On time:
“Time is a created thing. To say ‘I don’t have time,’ is like saying, ‘I don’t want to.’ ”
On living in the present:
“If you are depressed you are living in the past. If you are anxious you are living in the future. If you are at peace you are living in the present.”
Among those 30 quotes, one quote was of great inspiration to me:
“Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished.”
It struck me when I first read it years ago. Lao Tzu tells us that with patience and acceptance all will be achieved. Unlike nature, we are impatient. We are constantly running after things in life. Be it persons, materials, jobs or dreams, we are trying to attain them the wrong way.
Nevertheless, we should relax and refrain from hurrying. Like nature, all will be accomplished in the right time.
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