Best of Taoism – Knowing Enough

That which is perfectly whole, seems flawed; yet you can use it forever. That which is perfectly full, seems empty; yet you can never drain it. That which is perfectly straight, appears crooked. That which is done with perfect skill and dexterity, seems clumsy. That which is expressed with perfect eloquence, seems confused.

To be comfortable in the cold, keep moving. To be comfortable in the heat, keep still. To be comfortable in the world, keep calm and clear.

When the world is following the way, people use horses to plough and manure the fields. When the world has abandoned the way, people use horses on the field of battle.

The greatest evil is to want more. The worst misfortune is discontent. The most terrible curse is greed.

If you know when enough is enough, you know enough.

Best of Taoism – Being broken to be whole

In order to be whole, you must first be broken. In order to be straight, you must be twisted. In order to be full, you must be empty. In order to be renewed, you must first be worn out. In order to gain much, you must have little. In order to understand, you must be confused.

Wise people understand the unity of all things, and know that unity consists in diversity.

In order to be well known, you must never pursue fame. In order to be above suspicion, you must never justify yourself. In order to be honoured, you must never seek praise. In order to win, you must never compete.

Wise people in the past frequently said, “In order to be whole, you must be broken.” Were they mistaken? It is certainly true that those who are broken, are most likely to flourish.

Moral: Seemingly opposites are two sides of the same coin. Both are fully related to each other and provide a way achieve one another. They are like two branches of the same tree.

Best of Taoism – Returning to the root

Do your utmost to be empty. Hold firmly to stillness.

Thousands of events are occurring at any moment. Observe events as they occur, and observe them pass. Nothing lasts. Events are like flowers: they bloom for some time, and then sink back into their roots.

Returning to the root is piece. Yes, peace consists in accepting what is, and knowing what endures. With that acceptance and knowledge you are wise. Without that acceptance and knowledge your life descends into chaos and ruin.

If you know what endures, you are generous, magnanimous, gracious, and serene. If you know what endures, you follow the way, because the way endures forever. The body will come to an end, but that is no cause for fear.