The Great Tao

The great Tao flows everywhere.
All things are born from it,
yet it doesn't create them.
It pours itself into its work,
yet it makes no claim.
It nourishes infinite worlds,
yet it doesn't hold onto them.
Since it is merged with all things
and hidden in their hearts,
it can be called humble.
Since all things vanish into it
and it alone endures, it can be called great.
It isn't aware of its greatness;
thus it is truly great.

-Tao Te Ching

James: This is my favorite passage from the Tao Te Ching. The Tao Te Ching (and Taoist thought in general) greatly influences my spiritual path. I read it on a regular basis and always find new things in this great book.

PHOTO: Lou Zi statue from a Taoist temple at Wu Yi mountain in Fu Jian province, China. Photo credit

~Peace to all beings~