Lao Tzu

Lao Tzu, also Laozi and other variations was a mystic philosopher of ancient China, best known as the author of the Tao Te Ching. His association with the Tao Te Ching has led him to be traditionally considered the founder of Taoism (pronounced as "Daoism"). Lao Tzu translated literally from Chinese means "old master" or "old one", and is generally considered honorific.

A central figure in Chinese culture, both nobility and common people claim Lao Tzu in their lineage. Throughout history, Lao Tzu's work has been embraced by various anti-authoritarian movements.

-  From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Why not simply honor your parents, love your children, help your brothers and sisters, be faithful to your friends, care for your mate with devotion, complete your work cooperatively and joyfully, assume responsibility for problems, practice virtue without first demanding it of others, understand the highest truths yet retain an ordinary manner? That would be true clarity, true simplicity, true mastery.

Don't think you can attain total awareness and whole enlightenment without proper discipline and practice. This is egomania. Appropriate rituals channel your emotions and life energy toward the light. Without the discipline to practice them, you will tumble constantly backward into darkness.

The sage does not hoard. The more he helps others, the more he benefits himself, The more he gives to others, the more he gets himself. The Way of Heaven does one good but never does one harm. The Way of the sage is to act but not to compete.

No thought, no action, no movement, total stillness: only thus can one manifest the true nature and law of things from within and unconsciously, and at last become one with heaven and earth.

Without stirring abroad, One can know the whole world; Without looking out of the window One can see the way of heaven. The further one goes The less one knows.

The career of a sage is of two kinds: He is either honoured by all in the world, Like a flower waving its head, Or else he disappears into the silent forest.

The highest truth cannot be put into words. Therefore the greatest teacher has nothing to say. He simply gives himself in service, and never worries.

Health is the greatest possession. Contentment is the greatest treasure. Confidence is the greatest friend. Non-being is the greatest joy.

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

One can not reflect in streaming water. Only those who know internal peace can give it to others.

Great indeed is the sublimity of the Creative, to which all beings owe their beginning and which permeates all heaven.

The key to growth is the introduction of higher dimensions of consciousness into our awareness.

At the centre of your being you have the answer; you know who you are and you know what you want.

I have just three things to teach: simplicity, patience, compassion. These three are your greatest treasures.

The power of intuitive understanding will protect you from harm until the end of your days.

I do not concern myself with gods and spirits either good or evil nor do I serve any.

To the mind that is still, the whole universe surrenders.

When I let go of what I am, I become what I might be.