Not praising the deserving prevents envy.
The value comes from what is there, but the use comes from what is not there.
What has no substance can penetrate what has no opening.
The Grand Canyon is living evidence of the power of water over a period of time. The power may not manifest immediately. Water can be very powerful, like a tidal wave.
But the transformation of consciousness undertaken in Taoism and Zen is more like the correction of faulty perception or the curing of a disease. It is not an acquisitive process of learning more and more facts or greater and greater skills, but rather an unlearning of wrong habits and opinions. As Lao-tzu said, "The scholar gains every day, but the Taoist loses every day.
The Sage embraces similarity of understanding and pays no regard to similarity of form. The world in general is attracted by similarity of form, but remains indifferent to similarity of understanding.
The sage knows himself, but does not parade. He cherishes himself, but does not praise himself.
They can see their neighbors. Roosters and dogs can be heard from there. Still, they will age and die without visiting one another.
If the sage wants to stand above people, he must speak to them from below. If he wants to lead people, he must follow them from behind.
Peace and quiet are preferred. Victory should not be praised.
The sage acts without taking credit. He accomplishes without dwelling on it. He does not want to display his worth.
That so few understand me is why I am treasured.
Lightly given promises must meet with little trust.
The great Way is all-pervading. It reaches to the left and to the right. All things depend on it with their existence. Still it demands no obedience.
The sage has no concern for himself, but makes the concerns of others his own.
The Way to do is to be.
Those who stay where they are will endure.
The world is a sacred vessel that cannot be changed. He who changes it will destroy it. He who seizes it will lose it.
Moderation means prevention. Prevention means achieving much virtue.
The sage knows without traveling, perceives without looking, completes without acting.
The perfect square lacks corners.
When your mind is empty of prejudices you can see the Tao. When your heart is empty of desires you can follow the Tao.
Those who praise victory relish manslaughter. Those who relish manslaughter cannot reach their goals in the world.
The light of the Way seems dim.
The Way is ever without action, yet nothing is left undone.
