Carpe Diem #1015 streaming water

Dear Haijin, visitors and travelers,

The first week of August is almost at its end and another week is starting above the horizon, but we have one day to go this week. This month we are seeking our inspiration through "the power of words" or all wonderful quotes by known and unknown people.

Today I have a beautiful quote by Lao Tzu renown philosopher from China who was preaching Daoism, a very ancient philosophy. Let me first tell you a little bit more about Lao Tzu.

Lao Tzu

Lao Tzu, or "Old Master," is an honorary title for the ancient Chinese man whose original name was Li Er. As a saint or deity, he is known by many names, including Lao Jun and Lao Dan. He is credited with founding philosophical and religious Daoism.

Lao Tzu is the presumed author of the "Daodejing," an important book of Daoism. He is admired as a philosopher by some; worshiped as a god, saint, or imperial ancestor by others. He may have lived in the 6th century B.C., but possibly the 5th or 4th. Historians debate whether he was one man or a legend, and whether the "Daodejing" was written by one author or many.

The legend of Lao Tzu features a number of origin stories. Some say he was conceived when his mother saw a falling star. His mother carried him in her womb for 8 years, 62 years, 72 years, or even 80 years, according to some, then gave birth to him through her left flank. He may have been born at the foot of a plum tree, or "li," inspiring his surname, and he may have been born as an old man with white hair, a grey beard, and long earlobes.

Some say he was born many times throughout history, with a different personality each time, in order to share Daoist principles with many disciples. He may have lived for 990 years. Some say Lao Tzu and Buddha were one and the same, or that Buddha was his reincarnation. For some, the name "Lao Tzu" represents a sage, not a specific individual.

Daoism

Daoism is both a religion and a philosophy, encompassing everything, with no specific primary god. According to the "Daodejing," "Man takes his law from the Earth; the Earth takes its law from Heaven; Heaven takes its law from the Tao. The law of the Tao is its being what it is."

Lao Tzu embraced the concept of "wu-wei" - action through non-action. He believed that, through non-action, governments could promote social and economic harmony. He wrote, "A leader is best when people barely know he exists, when his work is done, his aim fulfilled, they will say: we did it ourselves." He also wrote, "Governing a great nation is like cooking a small fish - too much handling will spoil it."

Also central to Daoism are the "three treasures." Lao Tzu wrote, "I have just three things to teach: simplicity, patience, compassion. These three are your greatest treasures."

In summary, the Dao is the origin of all things, and it is formless. Lao Tzu wrote, "There was something undifferentiated and yet complete, which existed before Heaven and Earth. Soundless and formless it depends on nothing and does not change. It operates everywhere and is free from danger. It may be considered the mother of the universe. I do not know its name; I call it Dao."

This philosopher has charisma that's for sure. I can really relate to his ideas and beliefs. So in this month I just had to use a quote by this wonderful "Old Master".

streaming water by tnt is everywere

(I found the above image on Devianart and couldn't retrieve info to contact the artist to ask permission. So if you know whom the artist is than let me know. I am grateful that I may use this image until then.)

Here is the quote to inspire you:

[...] "One can not reflect in streaming water. Only those who know internal peace can give it to others." [...] Lao Tzu

broken mirror
tears rolling down her cheeks
she has become old

© Chèvrefeuille

This episode is NOW OPEN for your submissions and will remain open until August 10th at noon (CET). Have fun!