clear mind...

"The ancient Masters were profound and subtle.
Their wisdom was unfathomable.
There is no way to describe it;
all we can describe is their appearance.

They were careful
as someone crossing an iced-over stream.
Alert as a warrior in enemy territory.
Courteous as a guest.
Fluid as melting ice.
Shape-able 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,
He is present, and can welcome all things."
Lao Tzu: Tao Te Ching chapter 15

cassia tree flowers from my back yard

the greatest teacher has nothing to say...

Essence 

Feather falling in the Water 

Watercolor on Rice Paper - Original Painting

artwork available by NahimaArt on etsy 

 ~)(~

"The highest truth cannot be put into words.
Therefore the greatest teacher has nothing to say.
He simply gives himself in service, 

and never worries." ~ Lao Tzu

~)(~

Antique Original Japanese Art Painting

available at HappyEight on etsy 

in stillness and silence the world is restored...

"Through return to simple living comes control of desires.
In control of desires Stillness is attained.
In stillness the world is restored."
~Lao Tzu

~~~

Silence is not merely the absence of sound, or noise, 

it is a state of being
at the edge of listening to nothing and something.
Silence is not an absence of words;

 it is a fullness of being.

 Health is not an absence of dis-ease,
It is a state of homeostasis.

~Samuel Avital

 ~~~

"Monet No. One" 
(photo used by permission)
by Louie Rochon-Photography, 2011, 
Copyright, all rights reserved, use by permission only. 
CLICK on photo for full effect.

"Monet No. One"

the three greatest treasures...

“Simplicity, patience, compassion.
These three are your greatest treasures.

Simple in actions and thoughts, 

you return to the source of being.

Patient with both friends and enemies,
you accord with the way things are.

Compassionate toward yourself,
you reconcile all beings in the world.” 

~Lao Tzu, Tao Te Ching