“ Do you have the patience to wait till your mud settles and the water is clear? Can you remain unmoving till the right action arises by itself? ”
Lao Tzu, Tao Te Ching (4th century BC). copy citation
| Author | Lao Tzu |
|---|---|
| Source | Tao Te Ching |
| Topic | waiting patience action |
| Date | 4th century BC |
| Language | English |
| Reference | |
| Note | Translated by Stephen Mitchell |
| Weblink | https://terebess.hu/english/tao/mitchell.html |
Context
“
Courteous as a guest.
Fluid as melting ice.
Shapable as a block of wood.
Receptive as a valley.
Clear as a glass of water. Do you have the patience to wait
till your mud settles and the water is clear?
Can you remain unmoving till the right action arises by itself? The Master doesn't seek fulfillment.
Not seeking, not expecting, she is present, and can welcome all things.
16 Empty your mind of all thoughts.” source
Courteous as a guest.
Fluid as melting ice.
Shapable as a block of wood.
Receptive as a valley.
Clear as a glass of water. Do you have the patience to wait
till your mud settles and the water is clear?
Can you remain unmoving till the right action arises by itself? The Master doesn't seek fulfillment.
Not seeking, not expecting, she is present, and can welcome all things.
16 Empty your mind of all thoughts.” source
Meaning and analysis
