"There is a being, wonderful, perfect; it existed before heaven and earth.
How quiet it is!
How spiritual it is!
It stands alone and it does not change.
It moves around and around, but does not on this account suffer.
All life comes from it.
It wraps everything with its love as in a garment, and yet it claims no honor,
for it does not demand to be lord.
I do not know its name, and so I call it Tao, the way and I rejoice in its
power."
unknown
"...you, the Seeker. Keep it simple. Stand humbly and proudly. Accept everything for what it is. Throw off the chains of your fears and limitations. Avoid prejudice and judgement. Strive. Persevere. Be creative, arousing, unfathomable, still; unmoving and moving, receptive, gentle and penetrating; cling to the light. Shine with the sun; be Joyous, giving and taking pleasure. Enjoy peace, tranquility. Smile through the tears. Fall down and get up again. Be gentle with yourself, while demanding the most from your body, your mind, your spirit and your soul. Accept no excuses. Search until you find. Welcome hardship. Do not avoid pain or difficulty, sorrow or heartbreak. Seek these things out if you dare. Teach yourself everything there is to know. Teach others everything you have learned. Be truthful, kind, helpful, giving, loving, faithful. Hold fast to your code, your ideals and your reputation. Hold to them unwaveringly. Avoid the evil, poisonous serpents of wrongdoing and dissipation, desire, obsession, excess and destruction. Overcome sloth, vanity, envy, hatred, anger, gluttony, lust, jealousy, pettiness, greed, selfishness. Give up meanness; no bully can attain mastery. Revile the beast. Don't complain. The troubles you may have are merely mechanical; small and insignificant. They will pass. Be alone but never lonely. You are all things when you stand alone. Ask for nothing. Wait. The One Thing (Tao) will provide. Don't be led astray. Be cautious and suspicious in your dealings; for there is much evil in the world. No one is safe from it. Beware of false friends, criminals, liars, and cheats. Be trusting. Find the goodness in all things. Forgive the most terrible wrongs, but never forget. Turn your check again and again. Strike when it is called for. Strike quickly and with meaning. Don't be cruel. When you find true fellowship, welcome it and keep it sacred. Nothing is more real than lasting friendship. The cosmos revolves peacefully around the union that is true. We need each other. Watch carefully. Keep your ears open. Stay awake. Stop dreaming. Face reality; yet, indulge yourself in fantasy and fairy tales. Have and keep hope, faith, charity. Believe in your luck. Take chances. Realize your dreams. Seek enlightenment and give it. Help things to grow, within yourself and in the Ten Thousand Things. Walk softly, lightly. Try not to leave your mark on the land. Replace your divots. Move quietly, without racket, but let the world know you are passing through. Welcome strangers, assist travelers. Feed the hungry, and the homeless. Turn away the beggars. Be strong and stable; graceful and swift. Feel the power. Be cheerful and steady. Follow your heart. Smile, laugh. Sing freely, dance wildly; sit perfectly still and listen. The supreme power will speak. Do not doubt it. Find the center. Flow. Remember you can do nothing wrong. Ask every question. Question every answer. Answer every question and every answer with a question. Be One with the One Thing. No matter what may come, don't give up. Go on, unflinchingly, with your QUEST."
David Carradine
The Spirit of Shaolin: A Kung Fu Philosophy