Inspirational Quotes by Zhiming Yuan

“The earth and the stars do not take sides— they are impartial. They regard all individuals as insignificant, as though they were playthings made of straw. The wise are also impartial; to them all people are equal and alike.”

“Pomp is contrary to the Tao.”

“A wheel may have thirty spokes, but its usefulness lies in the empty hub. A jar is formed from clay, but its usefulness lies in the empty center. A room is made from four walls, but its usefulness lies in the space between.”

“The wise humble themselves— and because of their humility, they are worthy of praise.”

“Who can (make) the muddy water (clear)? Let it be still, and it will gradually become clear. Who can secure the condition of rest? Let movement go on, and the condition of rest will gradually arise. They who preserve this method of the Tao do not wish to be full (of themselves).”

“Turning back is how the way moves; Weakness is the means-the way employs.”

“Those who are wise heal themselves. The wise never fall ill because they rid themselves of the causes of illnesses. They abide in Tao. How can they be ill then?”

“Trying to control the world? I see you won't succeed. The world is a spiritual vessel And cannot be controlled. Those who control, fail. Those who grasp, lose. Some go forth, some are led, Some weep, some blow flutes Some become strong, some superfluous, Some oppress, some destroyed. Therefore the Sage, Casts off extremes, Casts off excess, Casts off extravagance.”

“The wise humble themselves— and because of their humility, they are worthy of praise. They put others first, and so become great. They are not focused on outcomes or achievements; therefore they always succeed.”

“If you continue filling a pail after it is full, the water will be wasted. If you continue grinding an axe after it is sharp, the edge will wear away. Who can protect a house full of gold and jewels? Excessive fortune brings about its own misfortune. To win true merit—to earn a good reputation— you must be prudent. This is the way of the Tao.”

“As coisas recebem sua forma de acordo com sua natureza e se completam conforme as circunstâncias de sua condição.”

“They cannot be moved by praise or blame; they cannot be changed by profit or loss; they cannot be honored or humiliated. And so the wise are truly honored.”

“The Master gives himself up to whatever the moment brings. He knows that he is going to die, and he has nothing left to hold on to: no illusions in his mind, no resistances in his body. He doesn’t think about his actions; they flow from the core of his being. He holds nothing back from life; therefore he is ready for death, as a man is ready for sleep after a good day’s work.”

“人之生也柔弱，其死也坚强。草木之生也柔脆，其死也枯槁。故坚强者死之徒，柔弱者生之徒。是以兵强则灭，木强则折。强大处下，柔弱处上。”

“What does it mean, “Be wary of both honor and disgrace”? Honor is founded on disgrace and disgrace is rooted in honor Both should be avoided Both bind a man to this world That’s why it says, “Be wary of both honor and disgrace”

“Those who possess moderation will endure;  they have deep roots and strong stems. This is the secret to a long life, and lasting insight into the Tao.”

“If we could renounce our sageness and discard our wisdom, it would be better for the people a hundredfold. If we could renounce our benevolence and discard our righteousness, the people would again become filial and kindly. If we could renounce our artful contrivances and discard our (scheming for) gain, there would be no thieves nor robbers.”

“The great Way is easy, yet people prefer the side paths. Be aware when things are out of balance. Stay centered within the Tao. When rich speculators prosper while farmers lose their land; when government officials spend money on weapons instead of cures; when the upper class is extravagant and irresponsible while the poor have nowhere to turn— all this is robbery and chaos. It is not in keeping with the Tao.”

“The people make light of dying because of the greatness of their labours in seeking for the means of living. It is this which makes them think light of dying. Thus it is that to leave the subject of living altogether out of view is better than to set a high value on it.”

“Matter is necessary to give form, but the value of reality lies in its immateriality. Everything that lives has a physical body, but the value of a life is measured by the soul.”