All things flourish, and each returns to its source.
Interpretation
Everything grows and develops, ultimately returning to where it began.
This quote by Laozi reflects the cyclical nature of life and existence, suggesting that all phenomena arise, flourish, and eventually return to their origins. It emphasizes the interconnectedness of all things and the natural order of the universe, reminding us that life is a cycle of growth and return.
In practice
During a meditation workshop, discussing the nature of existence.
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.
To me, every hour of the light and dark is a miracle, every inch of space is a miracle, every square yard of the surface of the earth is spread with the same, every cubic foot of the interior swarms with the same; every spear of grass-the frames, limbs, organs, of men and women, and all that concerns them, all these to me are unspeakably perfect miracles.
And history becomes legend and legend becomes history.
We spend our lives, all of us, waiting for the great day, the great battle, or the deed of power. But that external consummation is not given to many: nor is it necessary. So long as our being is tensed, directed with passion, towards that which is the spirit of all things, then that spirit will emerge from our own hidden, nameless effort.
Suffering has a noble purpose: the evolution of consciousness and the burning up of the ego.
The church is not a dormitory for sleepers, it is an institution for workers; it is not a rest camp, it is a front line trench.
The collapse of good conscience and the absence of accountability and public scrutiny have led to crimes against humanity and violations of international law.
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