Tao Quotes

Why Tao Quotes?

The Tao Te Ching, by Lao Tzu, is a small book, but it is one of the most concise collection of wisdom quotes you can find. "Tao" translates as "path" or "way," with the connotation of "the way of the universe," and "the way man should live his life." The following is a selection of my favorite passages. I hope you enjoy them as much as I do.

The Tao And Power

Knowing others is intelligence.
Knowing yourself is true wisdom.
Mastering others is strength.
Mastering yourself is true power.

If you realize that you have enough,
you are truly rich.
If you stay in the center
and embrace death with your whole heart,
you will endure forever. - Tao Te Ching # 33

The Tao

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 came 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. - Tao Te Ching # 16

The Tao And Work

Do your work, then step back.
The only path to serenity. Tao Te Ching # 9

Lao Tzu On Being In The Moment

The master gives himself up
to whatever the moment brings.
He knows that he is going to die,
and he has nothing left to hold onto:
No illusions in his mind,
no resistances in his body.
He doesn't think about his actions;
they flow from the core of his being.
He holds back nothing from life;
therefore he is ready for death,
as a man is ready for sleep
after a good day's work. - Tao Te Ching # 50

And a final Tao quote:

"When you realize there is nothing lacking, the whole world belongs to you."

You can return here to the Wisdom Quotes page.

You may also want to visit the pages on Buddhist Quotes, Spiritual Quotes, and Funny Words Of Wisdom.