Without desire there is stillness, and the world settles by itself.
Interpretation
Desire disrupts the natural order of life, while detachment leads to peace and harmony.
This quote by Laozi emphasizes the idea that human desires often lead to chaos and unrest in the world. When we let go of our desires, we allow the natural flow of existence to manifest, leading to a serene and balanced state of being. It suggests that detachment and tranquility can enable the world to find its own equilibrium.
In practice
In a meditation retreat, I referenced Laozi's quote to illustrate the importance of letting go of desires for inner peace.
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.
There is no past we can bring back by longing for it. There is only an eternal now that builds and creates out of the past something new and better.
The union of the mind and intuition which brings about illumination, and the development which the Sufis seek, is based upon love.
I know the stars are my home. I learned about them, needed them for survival in terms of navigation. I know where I am when I look up at the sky. I know where I am when I look up at the Moon; it's not just some abstract romantic idea, it's something very real to me. See, I've expanded my home.
We no longer dare to believe in beauty and we make of it a mere appearance in order the more easily to dispose of it.
The real passion of the twentieth century is servitude.
The community of masses of human beings has produced an order of life in regulated channels which connects individuals in a technically functioning organisation, but not inwardly from the historicity of their souls.
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