The Tao gives birth to One. One gives birth to yin and yang. Yin and yang give birth to all things... The complete whole is the complete whole. So also is any part the complete whole... But forget about understanding and harmonizing and making all things one. The universe is already a harmonious oneness; just realize it.
Interpretation
This quote emphasizes the interconnectedness of all things and the inherent harmony of the universe.
Laozi's quote reflects the fundamental teachings of Taoism, suggesting that everything originates from a unified source, leading to the duality of yin and yang, which in turn manifests the diversity of the universe. It calls for a realization of this pre-existing harmony rather than striving to impose unity or understanding, highlighting the importance of recognizing and embracing the oneness that already exists in the cosmos.
In practice
During a meditation session, this quote can be used to inspire participants to reflect on their connection to the universe.
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 you look at food as an ethical issue in the Christian tradition, you don't find very much about it. You don't find, as you do in the Jewish or Islamic or Hindu traditions, a lot of restrictions saying you can eat this but you can't eat that.
The fragrance of sandalwood and rosebay does not travel far. But the fragrance of virtue rises to the heavens.
..And the same rapper who revels in a woman's finely proportioned behind may also speak against racism and on behalf of the poor, even as he encourages them not to look at hip-hop as their salvation.
The voice of the nickly reflection of the moon was not as deep as you might expect. It was a singer’s voice, though, a tenor, one that loved itself without reservation. “I feel time like you dream. Your dreams are jumbled. You can’t remember the order of your dreams, and when you recall them, the memories bend. Faces change. It’s all in puddles and ripples. That’s what time is for me.
The destructive character lives from the feeling, not that life is worth living, but that suicide is not worth the trouble.
What is it about our society where anyone who does not have Asperger's gets talked out of their heterodox ideas?
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