Empty your mind of all thoughts. Let your heart be at peace. Watch the turmoil of beings, but contemplate their return. Each separate being in the universe returns to the common source. Returning to the source is serenity. If you don't realize the source, you stumble in confusion and sorrow. When you realize where you come from, you naturally become tolerant, disinterested, amused, kindhearted as a grandmother, dignified as a king. Immersed in the wonder of the Tao, you can deal with whatever life brings you, and when death comes, you are ready.

Although there are weapons for tens and hundreds of soldiers, they will not be used.

All things in nature work silently. They come into being and possess nothing. They fulfill their function and make no claim. All things alike do their work, and then we see them subside. When they have reached their bloom, each returns to its origin. . . . This reversion is an eternal law. To know that law is wisdom.

When the palace is magnificent, the fields are filled with weeds, and the granaries are empty.

Its name-what passes not away.

When people see some things as good, other things become bad.

The Wise Man is square but not sharp, honest but not not malign, straight but not severe, bright but not dazzling.