An archer competing for a clay vessel shoots effortlessly, his or her skill and concentration unimpeded. If the prize is changed to a brass ornament, the hands begin to shake. If it is changed to gold, he or she squints as if going blind. The abilities do not deteriorate, but belief in them does, as he or she allows the supposed value of an external reward to cloud the vision.

Great knowledge is universal. Small knowledge is limited. Great words are inspiring; small words are chatter.

The sound of water says what I think.

People value that part of knowledge which is known. They do not know how to avail themselves of the Unknown in order to reach knowledge. Is this not misguided?

If you wish to care for your body, first of all take care of material things, though even when you have all the things you want, the body can still be uncared for

When the shoe fits, the foot is forgotten. When the belt fits, the belly is forgotten. When the heart is right, "for" and "against" are forgotten. No drives, no compulsions, no needs, no attractions: Then your affairs are under control. You are a free man.

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.