Best of Taoism – Right words sounding wrong

Nothing in this world is as soft and weak as water. Yet nothing is so effective as water at wearing away stones, which are hard and strong. And as it wears away stones, it remains unaltered. Thus softness overcomes hardness; weakness overcomes strength. Everyone knows this; but few people use this knowledge.

Wise people say: ‘By regarding yourself as a sinner, you become virtuous. By regarding yourself as lowly, you become mighty.’ Yes, life is full of paradoxes, in which right words sound wrong.

After a conflict is over, some enmity remains. How can peace be made? Wise people keep to the agreement that was made, but do not make demands on their former enemies.

Those whose power is genuine, concentrate on fulfilling their own obligations. Those whose power is hollow, insist on others fulfilling their obligations.

The way has no favourites; it is on the side of goodness.

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.