. . . learn to value what is important today in the subtle realm rather than what appears desirable tomorrow in the worldly realm.

The surest test if a person be sane, is if she accepts life whole, as it is.

Not all spiritual paths lead to the harmonious Oneness. Indeed, most are detours and distractions, nothing more.

In order to contract, It is necessary first to expand. In order to weaken, It is necessary first to strengthen. In order to destroy, It is first necessary to promote. In order to grasp, It is necessary first to give. This is called subtle light. The weak and the tender overcome the hard and the strong.

Things exalted then decay. This is going against the Way. What goes against the Way meets an early end.

The highest virtue is not virtuous. Therefore it has virtue. The lowest virtue holds on to virtue. Therefore it has no virtue.

Better stop short than fill to the brim. Oversharpen the blade, and the edge will soon blunt. Amass a store of gold and jade, and no one can protect it.