The Tao Te Ching p. 2 of 3

• The Master observes the world but trusts his inner vision. He allows things to come and go. His heart is open as the sky.
• Success is as dangerous as failure. Hope is as hollow as fear.
• What does it mean that success is a dangerous as failure? Whether you go up the ladder or down it, your position is shaky. When you stand with your two feet on the ground, you will always keep your balance.
• What does it mean that hope is as hollow as fear? Hope and fear are both phantoms that arise from thinking of the self. When we don't see the self as self, what do we have to fear?
• See the world as your self. Have faith in the way things are. Love the world as your self; then you can care for all things.
• Approach it and there is no beginning; follow it and there is no end. You can't know it, but you can be it, at ease in your own life. Just realize where you come from: this is the essence of wisdom.
• 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 Master doesn't seek fulfillment. Not seeking, not expecting,she 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 Master governs, the people are hardly aware that he exists. Next best is a leader who is loved. Next, one who is feared. The worst is one who is despised!
• Stop thinking, and end your problems. What difference between yes and no? What difference between success and failure? Must you value what others value, avoid what others avoid? How ridiculous!