Rule your mind with serenity rather than with force and manipulation.
Interpretation
This quote emphasizes the importance of calm and peaceful control over oneβs thoughts rather than using aggression or coercion.
Laozi highlights that true mastery over oneself comes not from forceful control or manipulation of one's mind but through serenity and tranquility. This approach fosters a more profound understanding of oneself and the world, leading to wisdom and inner peace, rather than stress and conflict that often accompany forceful methods.
In practice
In a meditation workshop, to encourage participants to find inner peace instead of being overwhelmed by stress.
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.
He who conquers others is strong; He who conquers himself is mighty.
Wisdom comes from experience. Experience is often a result of lack of wisdom.
may i be i is the only prayer--not may i be great or good or beautiful or wise or strong today... may i be me....five foot eleven, brown hair/eyed, smart, serious, happy, frustrated, impatient, joyful, running, sleeping, smiling, eating, trying, believing, listening, being & becoming.
Immature strategy is the cause of grief.
In my experience, the most staunchly held views are based on ignorance or accepted dogma, not carefully considered accumulations of facts. The more you expose the intricacies and realtities of the situation, the less clear-cut things become.
Presumption should never make us neglect that which appears easy to us, nor despair make us lose courage at the sight of difficulties.
There needs to be understanding that anger never helps to solve a problem. It destroys our peace of mind and blinds our ability to think clearly. Anger and attachment are emotions that distort our view of reality.
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