Do your work, then step back. The only path to serenity.
Interpretation
This quote emphasizes the importance of completing one's work and then allowing things to unfold naturally for a sense of peace.
Laozi suggests that by dedicating ourselves to our responsibilities and doing our work diligently, we should then take a step back and refrain from forcing outcomes. This practice allows for a sense of serenity to emerge, as we trust the process and let things develop in their own time, reflecting a deeper understanding of patience and acceptance.
In practice
In a meditation class, to encourage relaxation after a busy day.
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.
The Buddhaβs principal message that day was that holding on to anything blocks wisdom. Any conclusion that we draw must be let go. The only way to fully understand the bodhichitta teachings, the only way to practice them fully, is to abide in the unconditional openness of the prajna, patiently cutting through all our tendencies to hang on.
Acknowledgemen t of what you feel, what you know, what you need is the first step toward healing.
Battles are not won by strength alone!
And which I take notice of here, to put those discontented people in mind of it, who cannot enjoy comfortably what God has given them, because they see and covet something that he has not given them. All our discontents about what we want appeared to me to spring from the want of thankfulness for what we have.
And if you're lucky enough to survive going crazy and get back to the point where you can pass for normal, it builds a question into the rest of your life. You have to forgive people for wondering, 'How all right can he be?'
The Bible does not thrill; the Bible nourishes. Give time to the reading of the Bible and the recreating effect is as real as that of fresh air physically.
Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.