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, 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".
(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!
