Tao Te Ching

The Tao Te Ching, Dao De Jing, whose authorship has been attributed to Laozi, is a Chinese classic text. Its name comes from the opening words of its two sections: 道 dào "way," Chapter 1, and 德 dé "virtue/power," Chapter 38, plus 經 jīng "classic." According to tradition, it was written around the 6th century BC by the sage Laozi (or Lao Tzu, "Old Master"), a record-keeper at the Zhou Dynasty court, by whose name the text is known in China. The text's true authorship and date of composition or compilation are still debated, although the oldest excavated text dates back to the late 4th century BC

The text is fundamental to the Philosophical Taoism and strongly influenced other schools, such as Legalism and Neo-Confucianism. This ancient book is also central in Chinese religion, not only for Religious Taoism but Chinese Buddhism, which when first introduced into China was largely interpreted through the use of Daoist words and concepts. Many Chinese artists, including poets, painters, calligraphers, and even gardeners have used the Daodejing as a source of inspiration. Its influence has also spread widely outside East Asia, and is amongst the most translated works in world literature.

- From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

From the Tao Te Ching

Fill your bowl to the brim and it will spill. Keep sharpening your knife and it will blunt. Chase after money and security and your heart will never unclench. Care about people's approval and you will be their prisoner. Do your work, then step back. The only path to serenity. - Tao Te Ching

   

In dwelling, live close to the ground. In thinking, keep to the simple. In conflict, be fair and generous. In governing, don't try to control. In work, do what you enjoy. In family life, be completely present. - Tao Te Ching

 

Without going out of the door one can know the whole world,

Without glancing through the window one can see the ways of Heaven,

The further one goes, the less one knows. - (Tao Te Ching)

A mind ever free of its own process Beholds the True miracle of Absolute Reality. A mind ever lost in its own process sees only the forms of this world. - (Tao Te Ching)

When you stand with your two feet on the ground, you will always keep your balance. - Tao Te Ching

He who controls others may be powerful, but he who has mastered himself is mightier still. - Tao Te Ching

Those who know when to stop do not find themselves in trouble. - Tao Te Ching

Darkness within darkness. The gateway to all understanding. - Tao Te Ching