A good mooring needs no knot, still no one can untie it.
Interpretation
True stability and security come from a solid foundation, not just superficial measures.
This quote by Laozi suggests that a strong foundation or grounding in life can provide an inherent sense of stability and security that does not rely on temporary or external solutions. Just as a well-constructed mooring does not require complicated knots to keep it secure, true wisdom and understanding in life can create a sense of peace that cannot easily be disrupted or undone.
In practice
In a motivational speech about the importance of inner strength.
If you understand others you are smart._x000D_ If you understand yourself you are illuminated._x000D_ If you overcome others you are powerful._x000D_ If you overcome yourself you have strength._x000D_ If you know how to be satisfied you are rich._x000D_ If you can act with vigor, you have a will._x000D_ If you don't lose your objectives you can be long-lasting._x000D_ If you die without loss, you are eternal.
When nothing is done, nothing is left undone.
A good traveler has no fixed plans, and is not intent on arriving.
Knowing others is wisdom, knowing yourself is enlightenment.
In the world there is nothing more submissive and weak than water. Yet for attacking that which is hard and strong nothing can surpass it.
Rule your mind with serenity rather than with force and manipulation.
In you, as in each human being, there is a dimension of consciousness far deeper than thought. It is the very essence of who you are. We may call it presence, awareness, the unconditioned consciousness.
I have a lot of faith. But I am also afraid a lot, and have no real certainty about anything. I remembered something Father Tom had told me--that the opposite of faith is not doubt, but certainty. Certainty is missing the point entirely. Faith includes noticing the mess, the emptiness and discomfort, and letting it be there until some light returns.
One of the greatest injustices we do to our young people is to ask them to be conservative. Christianity is not conservative, but revolutionary.
The cooperative, loving side of existence goes hand in hand with coping and power, but neither the one nor the other can be neglected if life is to be gratifying.
Faith must be tested, because it can be turned into a personal possession only through conflict.
If you have to have it, it's ego. If you have to not have it, it's ego. Hold life lightly and it will deliver what you need and release what you don't.
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