Here at the frontier, the leaves fall like rain. Although my neighbors are all barbarians, and you, you are a thousand miles away, there are still two cups at my table.


Ten thousand flowers in spring, the moon in autumn, a cool breeze in summer, snow in winter. If your mind isn't clouded by unnecessary things, this is the best season of your life.

~ Wu-men ~


Wednesday, November 21, 2012

Dao De Jing #45: Quiet

The Dao De Jing is not only one of the main roots of Philosophical Daoism, it is one of the world's great works of literature. A free online version may be found here. In the meantime, below is verse #45, Quiet:


45. Quiet

Great perfection seems incomplete,
But does not decay;
Great abundance seems empty,
But does not fail.

Great truth seems contradictory;
Great cleverness seems stupid;
Great eloquence seems awkward.

As spring overcomes the cold,
And autumn overcomes the heat,
So calm and quiet overcome the world.

2 comments:

walt said...

"In order to still the movements of consciousness to the point of realization -- seeing reality as it is -- we must allow each aspect of ourselves to clarify."
- Chip Hartranft

Here's hoping it's a pleasant Thanks-giving holiday at The Kitchen!

Rick Matz said...

Thanks, Walt.

The turkey is cooking!