Ming-Dao Deng

Build your life brick upon brick, Live a life of truth, And you will look back on a life of truth. Live…

— Ming-Dao Deng

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

— Ming-Dao Deng

Rain scatters plum petals; Weeping stains the earth. One can only take shelter And wait for clearing.

— Ming-Dao Deng

A funeral is for those left behind. Sometimes, one wonders if the weeping is more out of fear for ourselves than it…

— Ming-Dao Deng

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

— Ming-Dao Deng

if i dont want to be known, i cannot be known.the best actor can divide role from self.the best liar can divide…

— Ming-Dao Deng

Give back what you have learned. Share your experience.

— Ming-Dao Deng

Use a mirror in difficult times. You will see both cause and resolution.

— Ming-Dao Deng

“Every day passes whether you participate or not.”

— Ming-Dao Deng

Self-discipline leads to higher spiritual states only if practiced with under- standing. The clearer the goal, the greater the result.

— Ming-Dao Deng

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

— Ming-Dao Deng

“To be a Taoist, one need not engage in fanatical denial of any part of life, nor does one need to leave…

— Ming-Dao Deng

Cooperation with others. Perception, experience, tenacity. Know when to lead and when to follow.

— Ming-Dao Deng

“Emperors uphold censorship, But extreme repression leads to extreme reaction. Individualists believe in freedom, But extreme expression leads to extreme reaction.”

— Ming-Dao Deng

A moving door hinge never corrodes. Flowing water never grows stagnant.

— Ming-Dao Deng

A tree uses what comes its way to nurture itself. By sinking its roots deeply into the earth, by accepting the rain…

— Ming-Dao Deng

The idea that each of us can be directly spiritual is radical. Most religions are based not on teaching adherents to be…

— Ming-Dao Deng

Once you have seen the face of God, you see the same face on everyone you meet.

— Ming-Dao Deng

Do you want to know how spirituality works? Breathe.

— Ming-Dao Deng

Only when peace lives within each of us, will it live outside of us. We must be the wombs for a new…

— Ming-Dao Deng

The sages say that life is illusion, but does that change its poignancy?

— Ming-Dao Deng

“Invisibility is the best advantage. But if forced to a confrontation, Come out with all your skill.”

— Ming-Dao Deng

Some Warriors look fierce, but are mild. Some seem timid, but are vicious. Look beyond appearances; position yourself for the advantage.

— Ming-Dao Deng

“Watching a performance of warriors, I was told, “This fighter’s tradition is six hundred years old.” And I saw a performance so…

— Ming-Dao Deng

“Such is the case with unseasonable rain. It is supposed to be hot summer, yet it is a day like midwinter. What…

— Ming-Dao Deng