It’s said that there is a wise old man whom people came from far and wide to seek his advice on the meaning of life. Among them is a disgruntled young man eager to change his destiny. Having walked the mountain treks for days, he finally arrives at the humble abode of the wise old…
Cyclical Movement and Taoist philosophy Are things in this world moving along a straight line or in a cyclical manner? Those who are used to linear thinking would see it as a straight line. After a day, it’s a night. After life, it’s death. What else can that be? It can, therefore, be puzzling when…
Importance of Non-being How can emptiness be of any value? Emptiness can be the very purpose of an existence. When we value something, our attention is often on what we can see or touch. For example, when you see a pot, your attention is likely to be on its shape, its colours, workmanship and the material…
Tao is The Way, Not ‘Your Way’ There are many things that you can learn in Tao Te Ching, and these are three of them. First, staying detached. The first thing that you’d have to learn is to see yourself as part of the universe that you are in. You may wonder why I’m saying…
If you feel like you have known it all, you don’t really know. Empty your mind like an empty cup, and feel the warmth and fragrance of the tea poured in. “When you understand all things can you step back from your own understanding?” Lao Tzu Tao Te Ching Chapter 10, translated by JH McDonald…
In order to hold on to the apple, you must first open up you palm. Let go, so that you can grasp. “If you want to take something, you must first allow it to be given.” Lao Tzu 36
Tao of finding a singing bowl A man is looking for a bowl of fine quality. So he visits the most famous porcelain shop in town. To test the quality of the bowls, he picks up one of the bowls on display and knocks it gently against another. The test goes like this: Upon knocking the bowl against another, if he can hear…
Life is colourful and interesting. But do not succumb to allures of things that we don’t really need, people’s remarks that don’t really matter, and pursuits that bear no significance to your center of life. Focus is power. The wise person remains unwavering to what is real to him and the calling from within the…
Wisdom from Lao Tzu Tao Te Ching 22 If you want to become full, let yourself be empty
“A tree beyond your embrace grows from one tiny seed. A tower nine-storey high begins with a lump of earth. A journey of thousand miles starts with a single step.” Lao Tzu Tao Te Ching 64 Taking first step is hard. It involves risks, learning of new things and getting to know new people. Making sure…
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