Most of the world's religions serve only to strengthen attachments to false concepts such as self and other, life and death, heaven and earth, and so on. Those who become entangled in these false ideas are prevented from perceiving the Integral Oneness.
Interpretation
Laozi suggests that religions can reinforce misguided attachments that prevent understanding true unity in existence.
In this quote, Laozi articulates a critical view of many world religions, asserting that they often solidify misguided beliefs about separation, including notions of self versus other and life versus death. This entanglement in dualistic thinking curtails individuals' ability to perceive the fundamental interconnectedness of all things, which he refers to as 'Integral Oneness'. By emphasizing the division created by such concepts, Laozi invites a deeper exploration of unity and understanding beyond superficial distinctions.
In practice
During a debate on the role of religion in society, this quote can be used to illustrate how different beliefs can create divisions.
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.
In the name of Christ, I refuse to be anti-gay. I refuse to be anti-feminist. I refuse to be anti-artificial birth control. I refuse to be anti-Democrat. I refuse to be anti-secular humanism. I refuse to be anti-science. I refuse to be anti-life. In the name of Christ, I quit Christianity and being Christian. Amen.
We are stripped bare by the curse of plenty.
I was a controversial figure on my reservation when I was a kid. I was mouthy and opinionated and arrogant. Nothing has changed.
By the time you read this, you'll be older than you remember.
How do I know you'll keep your word?" asked Coraline. "I swear it," said the other mother. "I swear it on my own mother's grave." "Does she have a grave?" asked Coraline. "Oh yes," said the other mother. "I put her in there myself. And when I found her trying to crawl out, I put her back.
To die is different from what any one supposed, and luckier.
Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.