The good man is the teacher of the bad, And the bad is the material from which the good may learn. He who does not value the teacher, Or greatly care for the material, Is greatly deluded although he may be learned. Such is the essential mystery.
Those who boast are not respected.
Never take over the world to tamper with it. Those who want to tamper with it are not fit to take over the world.
Not praising the deserving prevents envy.
A tree that cannot bend will crack in the wind. Thus by nature’s own decree, the soft and gentle are triumphant.
First and last follow each other.
Simply see that you are at the center of the universe, and accept all things and beings as parts of your infinite body. When you perceive that an act done to another is done to yourself, you have understood the great truth.
He who obtains has little. He who scatters has much.
The value comes from what is there, but the use comes from what is not there.
The sage knows himself, but does not parade. He cherishes himself, but does not praise himself.
Stay at the center and let all things take their course.
Find a teacher who is an integral being, a beacon who extends his light and virtue with equal ease to those who appreciate him and those who don’t. Shape yourself in his mold, bathe in his nourishing radiance, and reflect it out to the rest of the world.
The most fundamental seems fickle.
I am at peace, and people become fair by themselves.
Be humble and you will remain entire. The sages do not display themselves, therefore they shine. They do not approve themselves, therefore they are noted. They do not praise themselves, therefore they have merit. They do not glory in themselves, therefore they excel.
Kindness in thought leads to wisdom. Kindness in speech leads to eloquence. Kindness in action leads to love.
The superior student listens to the Way and follows it closely. The average student listens to the Way and follows some and some not. The lesser student listens to the Way and laughs out loud. If there were no laughter it would not be the Way.
When you stand with your two feet on the ground, you will always keep your balance.
The purest white seems stained.
Stillness is the ruler of haste.