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.
-from the Tao Te Ching by Lao-tzu (tr. by S. Mitchell)
Mitchell’s translation is a really nice one.
It certainly is!!
Penetratingly beautiful. I love the calligraphy too. Hugs, Shaz
Glad it spoke to you, dear friend. Huge hug right back to you!!
Yes – opening and saying yes to it all – then you are ready for anything – even death– profound to consider!
I liked this part a lot:
“you naturally become tolerant,
disinterested, amused,
kindhearted as a grandmother,
dignified as a king”
Thanks Angela !! Blessings ~RL
Lao Tzu is always a sigh of rest on a busy day 🙂
Well said, friend. Thanks for visiting.
Love this! Thanks. – dn
Mitchell’s ‘The Second Book of Tao’ is also good. It’s based upon Chuang Tzu.
Thanks for the recommendation!!
Reblogged this on Spirit Train Chronicles.
Thanks for the re-post 🙂
Simply beautiful 🙂