Wisdom is knowing I am nothing, Love is knowing I am Everything, And in between the two my life moves

In a modern world that never sleeps, anyone can benefit from the simplicity found in the Dao. This way of thought goes beyond just an esoteric ancient Chinese philosophy, and anybody can grasp some of its key concepts with a few quotes from one of Daoism’s most important books, the Dao De Jing. (sometimes also spelled Tao te Ching). Loosely translated as "the Book of the Way" by philosopher Lao Tzu, was written about 2500 years ago. This wisdom of the way lays a simple framework for achieving harmony and balance.

The Dao is written in ancient Chinese and is the most translated book in the world, besides the bible.

I highly recommend listening to the version read by Wayne Dyer, as it flows beautifully and emerges you into it's wisdom in about an hour of your time. And it is an hour worth spending!

DAO DE JING - READ BY WAYNE DYER

"Those who flow how life flows know they need no other force" - Lao Tzu

 A well-known concept that has emerged from Daoist philosophy is Wu Wei, that can be translated as “non-action” , “effortless action” or the paradoxical “Action of non-action”. Wu Wei is the state of flow, often referred to as the “the zone” by athletes. When athletes are in zone, they engage in action without striving, and move through time and space effortlessly. There are no extremes, no worries, no ruminations, everything seems to flow in a natural course.  In life, rather than fighting against the conditions in our lives, we can allow things to take their natural course. This can also mean that when you don’t know what to do, do nothing. Instead, only jump at opportunities when you feel ready.

"I am great  in my resemblance to nothing at all, in my sheer impossibility.  If we were possible, we'd be boring.  These are my amazing qualities:  I'm compassionate. That's my courage.  I'm frugal, so I'm generous.  I have no ambition, so I rule.  To be courageous without compassion, generous without frugality, powerful and at the same time ambitious: that is the way of death. Compassion is the real victory.  Generosity is the real frugality.  Humility is the real power.  When nature gives us life  it shows all these qualities." -  Translated by Crispin Starwell, Chapter 67

Lao Tzu says that the first and most important treasure is what true courage stems from. Compassion is to think of others first by being willing to serve and exhibit kindness and love.  He even states that boldness without mercy is a prescription for death!

The second treasure is frugality, also referred to as moderation, thrift or simplicity. According to La Tzu, being satisfied with less, results in great generosity. Be willing to take only what you need and not accumulate or hoard. As it is easier to be generous when you are less attached to your stuff.

The third treasure necessary for a successful life is humility. Lao Tzu reminds us that it is this quality that brings forth true leadership. The kind of leadership that radiates the energy of the Tao or God. Unfortunately in todays world, our perception of strength comes from power, triumph, arrogance and loftiness which are all very yang masculine qualities. Being humble on the other hand will make you a generous and grateful leader.

"Tao gives birth to One, One gives birth to Two, The Two gives birth to Three, The Three gives birth to all universal things. All universal things shoulder the Yin and embrace the Yang. The Yin and Yang mingle and mix with each other to beget the harmony. People distain the orphaned, widowed and worthless, yet they are the name by which rulers called themselves. Therefore all things may increase when diminished, and they may diminish when increased. What people teach is "get rid of weakness and become strong," But what I teach is "get rid of the strong to become weak. The violent and forceful do not die a natural death," I will begin my teaching just from this saying." -  Translated by He Xuezhi, Chapter 42

The Chinese concept of yin and yang describes nature in dualities with two opposite, complementary, and interdependent forces. In other words, two halves balancing together that make a whole. Yin and yang always flows and changes with time. One aspect increases as the other decreases, and this balance continues as a pattern in nature. The night becomes the day. The sky meets the earth. When we understand these patterns in ourselves and around us, we can brings more balance into our lives. 

Those who seek knowledge, collect something every day.  Those who seek the Way,  let go of something every day.   They let go and let go,  until reaching no action.  When nothing is done,  nothing is left undone.   Never take over the world to tamper with it.  Those who want to tamper with it  are not fit to take over the world. - Chapter 48

I love this description by Stefan Stenudd:  "Following Tao, the Way, you learn to trust that it will reveal the true workings of the world and everything in it. By leaning back and opening yourself to it, you watch Tao unfold in front of you, revealing itself from behind everything that happens. The chains of events have patterns, and these patterns show the fabric of Tao."