Deng Ming-Dao Quotes

11 Sourced Quotes

A tree uses what comes its way to nurture itself. By sinking its roots deeply into the earth, by accepting the rain that flows towards it, by reaching out to the sun, the tree perfects its character and becomes great.... Absorb, absorb, absorb. That is the secret of the tree.

Deng Ming-Dao
The moon does not fight. It attacks no one. It does not worry. It does not try to crush others. It keeps to its course, but by its very nature, it gently influences. What other body could pull an entire ocean from shore to shore? The moon is faithful to its nature and its power is never diminished.

Deng Ming-Dao
An ancient gnarled tree: Too fibrous for a logger's saw, Too twisted to fit a carpenter's square, Outlasts the whole forest.

Deng Ming-Dao
The idea that each of us can be directly spiritual is radical. Most religions are based not on teaching adherents to be directly spiritual, but in persuading them to trust in the intercession of ministers or priests. The problem with this approach is that we cannot gain access to spirituality except through the medium of a fallible human being. If we want to see Tao, we need only open our eyes and trust what we see.

Deng Ming-Dao
It is too facile to say that the way to follow Tao is to simply go along with the flow of life. Sometimes, like the carp, we must know when to go it alone.

Deng Ming-Dao
Once we make our decision, all things will come to us. Auspicious signs are not a superstition, but a confirmation. They are a response.

Deng Ming-Dao
It is said that if one chooses to pray to a rock with enough devotion, even that rock will come alive.

Deng Ming-Dao
Cooperation with others. Perception, experience, tenacity. Know when to lead and when to follow.

Deng Ming-Dao
Trees in winter lose their leaves. Some trees may even fall during storms, but most stand patiently and bear their fortune.

Deng Ming-Dao
There is no language of the holy. The sacred lies in the ordinary.

Deng Ming-Dao
Muddy water will become clear if allowed to stand undisturbed, and so too will the mind become clear if it is allowed to be still.

Deng Ming-Dao