If you want to become whole, first let your­self become broken.
If you want to become straight, first let your­self become twisted.
If you want to become full, first let your­self become empty.
If you want to become new, first let your­self become old.
Those whose desires are few gets them, those whose desires are great go astray.

For this reason the Master embraces the Tao, as an example for the world to follow.
Because he isn’t self centered, people can see the light in him.
Because he does not boast of himself, he becomes a shining example.
Because he does not glorify himself, he becomes a person of merit.
Because he wants nothing from the world, the world cannot over­come him.

When the ancient Masters said,
“If you want to become whole, then first let your­self be broken,“
they weren’t using empty words.

All who do this will be made complete.

–Lao Tzu



One Comment on “Tao Te Ching — Verse 22”

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  1. rain says:

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