dimanche, juin 19, 2005

Here's a good series of quotes...make of them what you will

Success is as dangerous as failure. Hope is as empty as fear.
Whether you climb up or down the ladder, your position is shaky. When you stand with your two feet on the ground, you will always keep your balance. Hope and fear are both phantoms that arise from thinking of the self. When I don't see me as a stuggle against the world, what do I have to fear? Have faith in the way things are. Love the world as your self; then you can care for all things.

*******
The ancient Masters were profound and subtle. Their wisdom was unfathomable.
There is no way to describe it; all we can describe is their appearance.
They were careful as someone crossing an iced-over stream. Alert as a warrior in enemy territory.
Courteous as a guest. Fluid as melting ice. Shapable as a block of wood. Receptive as a valley.
Clear as a glass of water.

Do you have the patience to wait till your mud settles and the water is clear?
Can you remain unmoving till the right action arises by itself?
*******

The Governor doesn't seek fulfillment. Not seeking, not expecting, a leader is present, and can welcome all things.
Empty your mind of all thoughts. Let your heart be at peace. Watch the turmoil of beings, but contemplate their return.
Each separate being in the universe returns to the common source. Returning to the source is serenity.
If you don't realize the source, you stumble in confusion and sorrow. When you realize where you come from, you naturally become tolerant, disinterested, amused, kindhearted as a grandmother, dignified as a king. Immersed in the wonder of the Tao, you can deal with whatever life brings you, and when death comes, you are ready.
*******

When the leader governs, the people are hardly aware that the master exists. Next best is a leader who is loved. Next, one who is feared. The worst is one who is despised.
If you don't trust the people, you make them untrustworthy.
The Master doesn't talk, but rather acts. When the work is done, the people say, "Amazing: we did it, all by ourselves!"

Translation by Stephen Mitchell.
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