The Master gives himself up to whatever the moment brings. He knows that he is going to die, and her has nothing left to hold on to: 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 nothing back from life; therefore he is ready for death, as a man is ready for sleep after a good day's work.
Interpretation
The quote emphasizes the importance of living in the moment and accepting life as it is, without attachment or resistance.
This quote from Laozi illustrates the wisdom of surrendering to the present and embracing the inevitability of death. By letting go of illusions and attachments, a person is able to live fully and authentically, allowing their actions to flow naturally from their true self. This acceptance leads to preparedness for life's transitions, including death, as it is viewed as a natural part of existence, akin to the tranquility following a fulfilling day.
In practice
In a motivational speech about mindfulness, this quote can be used to encourage living in the moment.
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.
When those deserving of Paradise would enter Paradise, the Blessed and the Exalted would ask: Do you wish Me to give you anything more? They would say: Hast Thou not brightened our faces? Hast Thou not made us enter Paradise and saved us from Fire? He would lift the veil, and of things given to them nothing would be dearer to them than the sight of their Lord, the Mighty and the Glorious.
We cannot change our past. We can not change the fact that people act in a certain way. We can not change the inevitable. The only thing we can do is play on the one string we have, and that is our attitude.
It is the intense spirituality of India, and not any great political structure or social organisation that it has developed, that has enabled it to resist the ravages of time and the accidents of history.
America is the world's engine but also its conscience. We are the petri dish of diversity and inclusiveness.
The ideally non-violent state will be an ordered anarchy.
The unpredictable and the predetermined unfold together to make everything the way it is.
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