Ming-Dao Deng Quotes

All teachings are mere references. The true experience is living your own life. Then, even the holiest of words are only words.

It is too facile to say that the way to follow Tao is to simply go along with the flow of life. Sometimes, like the carp, we must know when to go it alone.

The moon does not fight. It attacks no one. It does not worry. It does not try to crush others. It keeps to its course, but by its very nature, it gently influences. What other body could pull an entire ocean from shore to shore? The moon is faithful to its nature and its power is never diminished.

Whether we remain the ash or become the phoenix is up to us.

Some Warriors look fierce, but are mild. Some seem timid, but are vicious. Look beyond appearances; position yourself for the advantage.

A tree uses what comes its way to nurture itself. By sinking its roots deeply into the earth, by accepting the rain that flows towards it, by reaching out to the sun, the tree perfects its character and becomes great. ... Absorb, absorb, absorb. That is the secret of the tree.

Reject labels. Reject identities. Reject conformity. Reject convention. Reject definitions. Reject names.

Do you want to know how spirituality works? Breathe.

You may be capable of great things, But life consists of small things.

Once we make our decision, all things will come to us. Auspicious signs are not a superstition, but a confirmation. They are a response.

The idea that each of us can be directly spiritual is radical. Most religions are based not on teaching adherents to be directly spiritual, but in persuading them to trust in the intercession of ministers or priests. The problem with this approach is that we cannot gain access to spirituality except through the medium of a fallible human being. If we want to see Tao, we need only open our eyes and trust what we see.

The appreciation of life does not require wealth or plenty. It requires only gratitude for the beauty of the world.

Only when peace lives within each of us, will it live outside of us. We must be the wombs for a new harmony. When it is small, peace is fragile. Like a baby, it needs nurturing attention. We must protect peace from violence and perversion if it is to grow. We must be strong to do this. But force, even in the name of honor, is always tragic. Instead, we must use the strength of wisdom and conscience. Only that power can nurture peace in this difficult time.

It is said that if one chooses to pray to a rock with enough devotion, even that rock will come alive.

An ancient gnarled tree: Too fibrous for a logger's saw, Too twisted to fit a carpenter's square, Outlasts the whole forest.

A moving door hinge never corrodes. Flowing water never grows stagnant.

Once you have seen the face of God, you see the same face on everyone you meet.

There is no language of the holy. The sacred lies in the ordinary.

Muddy water will become clear if allowed to stand undisturbed, and so too will the mind become clear if it is allowed to be still.

Young people need compassion and guidance, not obscure mysticism. Here are some guidelines for young people: Remember that you are always your own person. Do not surrender your mind, heart, or body to any person. Never compromise your dignity for any reason. Maintain your health with sound diet, hygiene, exercise, and clean living. Don’t engage in drugs or drinking. Money is never more important than your body and mind, but you must work and support yourself. Never depend on others for your livelihood.

Those who don't know how to suffer are the worst off. There are times when the only correct thing we can do is to bear out troubles until a better day.

Give back what you have learned. Share your experience.

We need faith, not because there are beings who will punish us or reward us, but because gods are a wonderful way of describing things that are happening to us.

Grappling with fate is like meeting an expert wrestler: to escape, you have to accept the fall when you are thrown. The only thing that counts is whether you get back up.

Those truly linked don't need correspondence. When they meet again after many years apart, Their friendship is as true as ever.