3 Life Lessons from Lao Tzu

July 1, 2009

Lao Tzu, the “Old Master” philosopher of ancient China, is generally regarded as the author of the Tao Te Ching. The book has countless observations and pearls of wisdom that apply to us all. At first glance it may seem complicated, or like there is just too much to learn. But Lao Tzu himself sums it up like this:

“I have just three things to teach: simplicity, patience, compassion. These three are your greatest treasures.”

I’m no master philosopher, and not quite ancient (yet), but I’m going to have to agree with his assessment. I believe if you truly practice these three, everything else will fall into place, and you will find contentment, inner peace, and happiness.

Now, I know some of you are thinking, “But THREE things? That’s just too much! How could we possibly understand three whole lessons at once?” I know what you mean, believe me. I thought the same thing when I first encountered these three. So I’ve decided to take the ancient wisdom a step further, and break it down to one lesson at a time.

Lesson 1: Simplicity

Uncomplicate your life.
Decide what matters.
Pare down to the basics.

(At this point, feel free to take a break, if needed, to fully absorb all that information.)

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Lesson 2: Patience

Don’t expect immediate results.
Have a long term view of life.
Practice patience towards yourself, your life, and others.

(You are two thirds of the way through your lessons… don’t give up now!)

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Lesson 3: Compassion

Recognize that others are just like you; they want the same things.
Acknowledge that others may not be as far along on the spiritual path.
The Golden Rule is a rule, not just a suggestion, for a reason.

(You made it! Three out of three!!! You now know, and understand, all three of your greatest treasures.)

I joke about this; but the truth is, we really do over-complicate things. I don’t know why we feel like we can’t really learn what we need in life unless we study countless volumes of theory and exhaust every possible solution. In reality, you already know everything you need to know to be happy in life… the answers have been there all along, within you.

All you have to do is stop the ego-driven distractions, and take a little time to listen to your heart. Your heart will always help you decide what matters, have a long term view of life, and treat others as you would like to be treated.

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Posted in compassion, inner peace, simplicity