Lao Tzu (570 – 490 B.C.E.) was an ancient Chinese philosopher and writer. He is the reputed author of the Tao Te Ching, the founder of philosophical Taoism, and revered in religious Taoism and traditional Chinese religions. Some accounts say Lao Tzu was a scholar who worked as the Keeper of the Archives for the royal court, but in truth very little is known about him. It doesn’t appear that Lao Tzu ever opened a formal school, but nonetheless attracted a large number of students.
Quotes by Lao Tzu…
While they dream, they do not know that they are dreaming.
The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step.
Without going out of doors, one may know the whole world; without looking out of the window, one may see the way of heaven. The further one travels, the less one may know. Thus it is that without moving you may know; without looking you shall see; without doing you shall succeed.
He who knows how glory shines, yet loves disgrace and is not poled by it, he becomes like a spacious valley to which all men come from beneath the sky.
By the accident of good fortune a man may rule the world for a time. But by virtue of love he may rule the world forever.
Who is there who can make muddy waters clear? But if allowed to remain still, it will gradually clear itself.
A sage is not only kind to the kind but also kind to the unkind.
Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength, while loving someone deeply gives you courage.
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 energy toward the light. Without the discipline to practice them, you will tumble constantly backward into darkness.
If you want to awaken all of humanity, then awaken all of yourself. If you want to eliminate the suffering in the world, then eliminate all that is dark and negative in yourself. Truly, the greatest gift you have to give is that of your own self-transformation.
