The sage wears coarse clothes, concealing jade.
Interpretation
True value often lies beneath a humble exterior.
This quote by Laozi suggests that true wisdom and worth are not always apparent. The sage, representing wisdom and depth, may dress simply and appear modest, yet his inner value, symbolized by jade, is precious and profound. This implies that we should look beyond surface appearances to recognize the deeper qualities in people and situations.
In practice
In a discussion about personal values during a workshop.
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.
If there is a problem you can't solve, then there is an easier problem you can't solve: find it.
I'm learning in my old age that the only thing you can do to keep your sanity is to stay in the moment.
We are most often in the dark when we are the most certain, and the most enlightened when we are the most confused.
"Genius is divine perseverance." Divine patience I believe he originally used, perseverance is better in my opinion. Genius I cannot claim nor even extra brightness but perseverance all can have.
If you put your hand into a fire, does anyone have to tell you to move it? Do you have to decide? No: When your hand starts to burn, it moves. You donβt have to direct it; the hand moves itself. In the same way, once you understand, through inquiry, that an untrue thought causes suffering, you move away from it.
The knowledge and skills you have achieved are meant to be forgotten so you can float comfortably in emptiness, without obstruction.
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