Seal the openings, shut the doors, dull the sharpness, untie the knots, dim the light, become one with the dust. This is called the profound union.
Interpretation
This quote emphasizes the importance of simplicity and unity with the natural world.
Laozi's quote advocates for the practice of embracing simplicity and surrendering to the natural flow of life. By suggesting actions like dulling sharpness and becoming one with the dust, it highlights the value of peaceful acceptance and fusion with the universe, encouraging individuals to let go of their desires and attachments in order to achieve a profound sense of unity and understanding.
In practice
During a discussion on mindfulness, this quote can be used to illustrate the benefits of letting go of distractions.
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.
Cut off from his religious, metaphysical and transcendental roots, man is lost; all his actions become senseless, absurd, useless.
The danger to which the success of revolutions is most exposed, is that of attempting them before the principles on which they proceed, and the advantages to result from them, are sufficiently seen and understood.
In choosing your god, you choose your way of looking at the universe. There are plenty of Gods. Choose yours.
The myths underlying our culture and underlying our common sense have not taught us to feel identical with the universe, but only parts of it, only in it, only confronting it - aliens.
I thought if war did not include killing, I'd like to see one every year.
Until you can see everything in the world as your friend, your work is not done.
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