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.
A universe with a creator would be a totally different kind of universe, scientifically speaking, than one without.
The wisdom of God devised a way for the love of God to deliver sinners from the wrath of God while not compromising the righteousness of God.
The average man does not know what to do with this life, yet wants another one which will last forever.
The center that I cannot find is known to my unconscious mind.
You can imagine a soul as being a detailed, elaborate pattern that exists very clearly in one brain. When a person dies, the original is no longer around. But there are other versions of it in other people's brains. It's a less detailed copy, it's coarse-grained.
The problem is we have to transcend cultural languages and fall into a phase with the communication systems that nature has placed all around us.
Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.