Pure Mountain Tao

Have little thought of self and as few desires as possible
Discard profit
And one shall gain
Discard knowledge
And one will be wise
Discard the obvious
And seek true understanding

“Master, I have been troubled since my brother died. Will the sorrow I feel ever end?“ asked a disciple. The master responded, “Sorrow like the great rain that falls soaks the ground. For a time, there is mud and perhaps even a flood. Soon though, the mud begins to dry out. The flood waters recede. [...]

Know that each yes or no is up to you. Also know that each yes or no carries certain repercussions; some more kinder than others. Each yes or no creates ripples flowing within the pond as if we have thrown a stone into the pond. This in turn, causes change. Without the change, would we [...]

As time passes,
The great truths are lost
Knowledge will flow from a book
rather than the heart.
What once was
Can never be again
The sun that sets this evening
Is not the same that rises
The next morning

A man once asked a Taoist master “What is the point of following the Tao?” The master said, “The point of following Taoism is to understand and achieve balance. By having balance, one has harmony. Our goal is to have a smooth flow of energy throughout. This leads to mindfulness and mental clarity. Mental clarity [...]

Respect the ways of all
But respect your own first;
Rise above but do not stand out
Lead by example, not by loud voice
Give credit, but take none
By doing so
One dwells in the ways of the Tao

A student once told the master about some disciples who were laughing and carrying on one afternoon in the courtyard. “Master, was this not wrong to do so?“ asked the student. The master smiled and said, “A person who follows the Tao should not be all doom and gloom. Taoists can laugh, smile, play, enjoy. [...]

A disciple once asked a master the best way to become one with the Tao. “Look to be in harmony with your natural environment. Happiness cannot be bought or won, or accomplished. One should know that thinking about eating cannot replace the joy of eating. Cut back on thinking and talking. Cultivate a simple life. [...]

A long time student told the master that he felt he was close to becoming enlightened. “Have you been practicing a long time?” asked the master. “Yes, master“ replied the student. “Have you been diligent in your work?” inquired the master. “Oh yes, master. Very much so“ said the student. “One final question my student, [...]

“How can I help others to follow the Tao?” said a student to a master. “You cannot save the world until you save yourself. How can you encourage those to follow the path of the Tao if you are lost in the dense forest? If you yourself cannot swim, how can you save a drowning [...]