Be still like a mountain and flow like a great river

Be still like a mountain and flow like a great river

The quote "Be still like a mountain and flow like a great river" is often attributed to the ancient Chinese philosopher Lao Tzu, who is believed to have lived in the 6th century BC. Lao Tzu is best known as the author of the Tao Te Ching, a foundational text of Taoism that emphasizes the importance of living in harmony with the natural order of the universe.

In this quote, Lao Tzu is using the imagery of a mountain and a river to convey a profound lesson about the nature of existence. Mountains are known for their stability and immovability, while rivers are constantly flowing and changing. By combining these two seemingly contradictory qualities, Lao Tzu is encouraging us to find a balance between stillness and movement in our own lives.

To be still like a mountain is to cultivate a sense of inner peace and tranquility. It is about finding a sense of grounding and stability within ourselves, even in the face of life's challenges and uncertainties. Just as a mountain stands firm against the forces of nature, we too can learn to remain steadfast in the midst of chaos and turmoil.

At the same time, Lao Tzu reminds us to flow like a great river, to embrace the fluidity and adaptability of life. Rivers are constantly changing and evolving, carving out new paths and shaping the landscape around them. In the same way, we must learn to go with the flow of life, to let go of our attachments and expectations, and to trust in the natural rhythm of the universe.

By embodying the qualities of both the mountain and the river, we can learn to navigate the ups and downs of life with grace and ease. We can find a sense of peace and harmony within ourselves, even as we continue to grow and evolve. In this way, we can live in alignment with the Tao, the underlying principle of the universe that Lao Tzu believed governs all of existence.