In the realm of ancient eastern philosophy and wisdom, the profound teachings of Chinese philosopher Lao Tzu from the Tao Te Ching continue to resonate across centuries. Among the core principles in the teachings on Taoism is the concept of ‘Wu Wei’—the art of non-action, often associated with the art of letting go. Let us delve into the rich wisdom through nine English Lao Tzu quotes, taken directly out of a 1997 translation, exploring the concept of ‘Wu Wei’ and the art of letting go.
Wu Wei: Insights from Lao Tzu’s Tao Te Ching on Letting Go
The Tao Te Ching (or Dao de jing, 道德經) is a work of ancient Chinese philosophy and wisdom, written by the Chinese philosopher Lao Tzu (Laozi) around 6 BCE. The book is considered the basis of Taoism and is a collection of 81 spiritual verses covering human nature, the universe, the balance and harmony between opposing energies, modesty, moderation and the concept of non-action (wu wei). In this post, we’ll explore wu wei through Lao Tzu quotes on letting go.
Wu wei (无为 ) is a central concept in the taoist philosophy and can be translated to “non-action”.
Rather than meaning apathy, it advocates for taking the path of least resistance to achieve flow. This means going with the natural movement and order of things, not with force, while staying in tune with one’s instincts and a deep understanding of the interconnectedness of all things.
Remain in simplicity and do not fight against yourself, rather let things unfold naturally. This is the path of non-resistance. Simply letting go is the taoist path to inner freedom.
Verifying Authenticity of Lao Tzu Quotes
There are many versions of the translations as well as much spurious information online, with many quotes being attributed to Lao Tzu without any existing or reliable sources. It can be hard to tell if the information you come across is authentic or not. Clicking here, you can find a list over some of the circulating fake quotes as well as a discussion on why it is a challenge to find trustworthy sources and translations of the original text.
The taoist quotes found in this post are all taken from the English translation by Arthur Waley, Published by Woodsworth Classics of World Literature in 1997. The chapters are included for easy referencing.
Timeless Wisdom: Exploring Lao Tzu’s Teachings
The Tao Te Ching leaves much open for interpretation, which makes it such a powerful source of life wisdom. The original text cover contemplations on life, on the world, on self, and is a wonderful piece of literature to study if you strive to know yourself.
Let these words inspire you to patience, presence, and non-resistance. If you like these quotes, I more than recommend getting the whole book – it’s an important read that leads to many complentations. It’s been around for thousands of years and still contains universal wisdom to this day.
Let’s dive into the Tao Te Ching Lao Tzu quotes!
9 Lao Tzu Quotes on Letting Go
What is of all things most yielding¹,
– Lao Tzu, Chapter 43
Can overwhelm that which is of all things most hard².
¹water, ²rock
Being substanceless it¹ can enter even where there is no space, that is how I know the value of action that is actionless.
¹water
– Lao Tzu, Chapter 43
Lao Tzu often references water in his texts as a metaphor for how the soft and flowing is stronger than that which is hard and rigid. Think of how rocks through centuries gets shaped by the tides – such is the nature of us as well. The more yielding we stay, the more we let go to the flow of things, the stronger we truly are, and the more we can overcome.
Those that would gain what is under heaven by tampering with it – I have seen that they do not succeed.
– Lao Tzu, Chapter 29
He who acts, harms; he who grabs, lets slip.
Therefore the Sage does not act, and so does not harm;Does not grab, and so does not let slip.
– Lao Tzu, Chapter 64
Lao Tzu reminds us with the two above quotes that the more we try to change and affect situations, the less favorable outcomes result. To let things be just as they are intended is the true way to receive peace and prosperity. If one tries to force and change what is, might succeed momentarily, but ultimately leads to failure, as it disrupts the natural order and sustainability.
Stay open to receive, have no expectation, do not force. That is the lesson.
To be content with what one has is to be rich.
Lao Tzu, Chapter 33
Be content with what you have and are, and no one can despoil you.
– Lao Tzu, Chapter 44
One of the simplest ways to achieve peace is to let go of wants and needs, which beside being only a taoist philosophy is also a core value in buddhism. Practicing gratitude for what is rather than yearning and ruminating on what’s lacking will set you free from suffering. Wu wei teaches us to just be, not chase materialistic wealth or status.
No amount of things and possessions can bring true happiness and peace, it can only come from within.
The sage arrives without going,
Sees all without looking,
Does nothing, yet achieves everything.
– Lao Tzu, Chapter 47
To become full, be hollow.
– Lao Tzu, Chapter 22
Being still and present is the most powerful way to achieve a sense of fulfillment and peace. How will you ever find the true nature of yourself if you are on the run all the time, busy with tasks, mental or physical? What you yearn and need is already inside of you. These two Lao Tzu quotes are a powerful reminder to simply let go.
It is more than enough to just exist.
To conquer others needs strength;
– Lao Tzu, Chapter 33
To conquer oneself is harder still.
Let’s end this post by this great quote encouraging us to look within, highlighting the power that lies in spiritual work. May these ancient wisdoms serve as inspiration to our journey toward self-knowledge and insight – the single most important journey we will ever undertake.
Which one of these quotes resonated the deepest with you? Did they inspire any thoughts or emotions? Let’s chat in the comments below!
Thank you for reading. ☯︎☾𖤓
Love,
Jules
