In an archery contest, when the stakes are earthenware tiles a contestant shoots with skill. When the stakes are belt buckles he becomes hesitant, and if the stakes are pure gold he becomes nervous and confused. There is no difference as to his skil.

The hidden so-called scholars of old did not hide themselves and refuse to be seen. They did not close the door on their words and refuse to let them out. They did not shut away their wisdom and refuse to share it. But those times were all haywire. If it had been possible for them to act, they could have done great things, bringing all to Oneness without any sign of doing so. However, the times were not favorable and it was not possible, so they put down deep roots, remained still and waited. this was the Tao by which they survived.

The wise man knows that it is better to sit on the banks of a remote mountain stream than to be emperor of the whole world.

When the heart is right, "for" and "against" are forgotten.

Birth is not a beginning; death is not an end. There is existence without limitation; there is continuity without a starting point.

The living all find death unpleasant; men mourn over it. And yet, what is death, but the unbending of the bow and its return to its case?

Your mind must become one, do not try to understand with your ears but with your heart. Indeed, not with your heart but with your soul.