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Hi There… :)
Lao Tzu is the author of– Tao Te Ching. It contains many words of wisdom about life, introspection, reflection, personal discovery and natural laws.
Here are just 7 of my favorite life changing lessons expressed by Lao Tzu- along with my personal insights/reflections on each of them.
1. The world is won by those who let it go.
“By letting it go it all gets done. The world is won by those who let it go. But when you try and try. The world is beyond the winning.” ~ Lao Tzu
“Therefore the Master acts without doing anything and teaches without saying anything. Things arise and she lets them come; things disappear and she lets them go. She has but doesn’t possess, acts but doesn’t expect. When her work is done, she forgets it. That is why it lasts forever.” ~ Lao Tzu
“He who clings to his work will create nothing that endures.” ~ Lao Tzu
To me this means compassionate detachment. When you give without expecting anything in return, then you are able to freely give – from the heart.
2. Knowing others is intelligence; knowing yourself is true wisdom.
“Knowing others is intelligence; knowing yourself is true wisdom. Mastering others is strength; mastering yourself is true power.” ~ Lao Tzu
One of the most profound statements is : Know Thyself .
I think it takes great courage to look at yourself with honesty and great awareness to see the many characteristics we possess.
3. At the center of your being you have the answer to all life’s questions.
“At the center of your being you have the answer; you know who you are and you know what you want.” ~ Lao Tzu
This statement really resonates with my motto: All you need is within you
4. When you realize there is nothing lacking, the whole world belongs to you.
“If you realize that you have enough, you are truly rich.” ~ Lao Tzu
“Be content with what you have; rejoice in the way things are. When you realize there is nothing lacking, the whole world belongs to you.” ~ Lao Tzu
Being/Feeling rich or poor is a state of mind. I have seen kids playing in the streets with a ball – full of joy and having fun, and I have also seen children with rooms full of gidgets and gadgets complaining to their parents ‘‘I am bored”. It’s all a state of mind. You are as rich as you feel.
5. Non-being is the greatest joy.
“Health is the greatest possession. Contentment is the greatest treasure. Confidence is the greatest friend. Non-being is the greatest joy.” ~ Lao Tzu
I read this a few times and reflected on how we are socialized to give ourselves ‘labels’ – such as mother, husband, writer, sister, son, poet, and practitioner. But have you ever stopped and asked yourself – who are you without the ‘labels’? Who are you without your name (which you were given by the way). Non being to me means to remember your true essence , without the ‘labels’, hats you wear or roles that you play. Just be.
6. If you realize that all things change, there is nothing you will try to hold on to.
“If you realize that all things change, there is nothing you will try to hold on to. If you are not afraid of dying, there is nothing you cannot achieve.” ~ Lao Tzu
This statement reminds me of a Native saying: ” when you live in the natural giving and receiving of life, stress does not exist. “ When we allow things to unfold and flow freely, without resistance, without strife- knowing that nothing lasts forever, we reduce inner turmoil, anxiety and suffering.
7. Be good to all.
“Treat those who are good with goodness, and also treat those who are not good with goodness. Thus goodness is attained. Be honest to those who are honest, and be also honest to those who are not honest. Thus honesty is attained.” ~ Lao Tzu
Kindness can be contagious! By choosing to be good, and speak and think positively, we can create a ripple affect (laws of vibration) to influence others to do the same. Try it and see the results!
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