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.
Show me where a man spends his time & money, and I'll show you his god.
Some like to believe it's the book that chooses the person.
The wish to pray is a prayer in itself. God can ask no more than that of us.
No one may threaten or commit violence ('aggress') against another man's person or property. Violence may be employed only against the man who commits such violence; that is, only defensively against the aggressive violence of another. In short, no violence may be employed against a non-aggressor. Here is the fundamental rule from which can be deduced the entire corpus of libertarian theory.
Folly loves the martyrdom of fame.
When we consider reality itself we quickly become aware of its infinite complexity, and we realize that our habitual perception of it is often inadequate. If this were not so, the concept of deception would be meaningless.
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