The Only Path to Serenity
July 9, 2012 § 14 Comments
I love the simplicity, the rhythm, and the depth of this passage.
Fill your bowl to the brim
and it will spill.
Keep sharpening your knife
and it will blunt.
Chase after money and security
and your heart will never unclench.
Care about people’s approval
and you will be their prisoner.
Do your work, then step back.
The only path to serenity.
Tao te Ching, Chap. 9 (Stephen Mitchell translation)
and here this phrase touches on what you more recently wrote: “care about people’s approval, and you will be their prisoner.” even more good reason to choose, right?
(I know that wasn’t the main point of this post, but I’m zoning in on that for a purpose, I’m sure).
Just read this as a re-blog on dadirridreaming. My kind of thoughts. Thank you!
Jude, you are kind to take the time to read and leave your reply. Thanks.
All of Steven Mitchell’s translations are beautiful.
Aren’t they? What a gift he has given to the world in this translation of the Tao.
Reblogged this on MindMindful and commented:
This sounds like ‘new’ advice, but it’s actually ‘ancient’ — nothing new under the sun?? We hear so much about how the world is worsening, ‘going to hell in a handbasket!’ But, In a soulfully twisted kind of way, I find it encouraging that our problems aren’t so new after all.
Thanks so much for the reblog. The support that you and others give to other writers is a great gift.
Happy we are connected.
so very beautiful thomas, i have reblogged it on dadirridreaming
Christine, so kind. Thank you. Tom
Reblogged this on dadirridreaming and commented:
a beautiful piece from Thomas Ross
I love this. It is so true, said simply and elegantly.
Thanks, Susan.
Beautiful, thank you for sharing.
Thanks for coming by.