Who is there who can make muddy waters clear? But if allowed to remain still, it will gradually clear itself.
LaoziCan you let go of words and ideas, attitudes and expectations? If so, then the Tao will loom into view.
LaoziDo you imagine the universe is agitated? Go into the desert at night and look out at the stars. This practice should answer the question..... The master settles her mind as the universe settles the stars in the sky. By connecting her mind with the subtle origin, she calms it. Once calmed, it naturally expands, and ultimately her mind becomes as vast and immeasurable as the night sky.
LaoziPraise of power leads to weakness; Love of things leads to loss; The wise one leads by filling people's hearts; He destroys illusion and disturbs those who believe they are wise; He does nothing yet everything happens.
LaoziThere is one appointed supreme executioner. Truly, trying to take the place of the supreme executioner is like trying to carve wood like a master carpenter. Of those who try to carve wood like a master carpenter, there are few who do not injure their hands.
LaoziGood Government is not intrusive the people are hardly aware of it; the next best is felt yet loved; then comes that which is known and feared; the worst government is hated.
LaoziThe Way of Heaven does not complete, and yet it skillfully achieves victory. It does not speak, and yet it skillfully responds to things. It comes to you without your invitation.
LaoziSome help others in order to receive blessings and admiration. This is simply meaningless. Some cultivate themselves in part to serve others, in part to serve their own pride. They will understand, at best, half of the truth. But those who improve themselves for the sake of the world - to these, the whole truth of the universe will be revealed.
LaoziThose who have the courage to dare will perish. Those who have the courage not to dare will live.
LaoziGoverning a large country is like frying a small fish. You spoil it with too much poking. Center your country in the Tao and evil will have no power. Not that it isn't there, but you'll be able to step out of its way. Give evil nothing to oppose and it will disappear by itself.
LaoziAll men desire to free themselves solely from death; they do not know how to free themselves from life.
LaoziThe sage knows himself, but does not parade. He cherishes himself, but does not praise himself.
LaoziThe wise man looks back into the past, and does not grieve over what is far off, nor rejoice over what is near; for he knows that time is without end.
LaoziHave patience. Wait until the mud settles and the water is clear. Remain unmoving until right action arises by itself.
LaoziThe tao that can be told is not the eternal Tao The name that can be named is not the eternal Name. The unnamable is the eternally real. Naming is the origin of all particular things. Free from desire, you realize the mystery. Caught in desire, you see only the manifestations. Yet mystery and manifestations arise from the same source. This source is called darkness. Darkness within darkness. The gateway to all understanding.
LaoziFrom now back to antiquity, its (Tao's) name has not been lost. Thereby, see the origin of all.
Laozi