To begin to understand Dao, one can start by studying DaoDeJing (道德經) by Laozi. The concepts of importance to be used as todays’ guiding compass are as follows:

 

1) Dao cannot be defined. It is constantly evolving like all things in the universe. It is the way of existence; it is how things naturally are. In another word, things are exactly how they should be as God intends them to be at any given time.

 

2) Be self-aware and don’t give in to excessive desires.

 

3) Don’t be judgmental.

 

4) Recognise the existence of YingYang and understand that most earthly existences sit between these two extremes on a continuum. For example, good exists in bad and bad exists in good. So, most cannot be entirely good or bad.

 

5) Any form of caste system disservices all. Know that a king is no better than any common man. All beings (seen & unseen) are equally as important in Gods’ eyes.

 

6) Do your best but also understand that nothing can be perfect.

 

7) Be humble.

 

8) When the time is right, your path will reveal itself. So in the meantime, just keep going.

 

9) By putting yourself last, you will be placed first in Gods’ eyes.

 

10) Be like water. Notice how it is an essential part of life. It can be so soft, flexible, gentle, cleansing and nourishing. It can be found in the smallest of crevices and flows indiscriminately even in the most undesirable places.

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11) Don’t be discouraged by your current circumstances. Calm your mind, continue to be kind to both yourself and others and just keep going.

 

12) Govern with wisdom and never forget that you serve God and Gods’ people. Listen to them and use your good judgment to shape societies in ways so your citizens can have the freedom to discover their God intended paths.

 

13) Beware of greed.

 

14) When you have reached a certain level of success, know when enough is enough and retire.

 

15) Don’t be fooled by the frills. Be gentle and pure in heart like an infant.

 

16) How can you receive when your cup is already full? Empty it first so you can receive.

 

17) True wisdom is knowing you don’t know everything.

 

18) Your spirit is eternal, your body is temporary. Nothing you can see lasts forever. Raise your spirit and you will forever live good lives.

 

19) Have strength in mind and don’t be too affected when others value or devalue you.

 

20) Always question yourself. Be aware of your own actions, words and thoughts. Be respectful to all and don’t take everything too seriously. Be sincere, honest and pure of heart. Have a heart so big that you can accommodate the whole universe.

 

21) Calm your mind and see the order in chaos, and possibilities in the impossible.

 

22) All things and beings are interconnected. What goes around truly comes around. So, sow good seeds.

 

23) Be kind, respectful and do your best to help all beings (seen & unseen).

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24) Gods’ will always prevail.

 

25) War is the worst solution to any problem.

 

26) There are different paths towards the same goal, just like how many different rivers flow into the same ocean. Same applies to religions. As long as a religion actively promotes kindness and respect for all, it is a valid path towards the same God. However, never follow blindly. If in doubt, use the principles of Dao as your guide to assess its validity.

 

27) True power comes in self-awareness and the ability to deconstruct and reconstruct the self in accordance to Dao. Conquering others is nothing, conquering the self is everything.

 

28) The pursuit of Dao is not only about appearances but the internalisation of its principles.

 

29) Beware of the desire for excessive fame and riches.

 

30) Always be thankful and appreciate what you already have.

 

31) Make maximum positive impact and leave minimum imprint.

 

32) Treat all beings with kindness and respect even with those who are unkind. Put yourself in others’ shoes and treat others how you would like to be treated.

 

33) Spread Dao as far and wide as possible. Begin with the individual, the family, the village, the city, the region, the country and eventually, the world.

 

34) A truly powerful country is a humbling place that welcomes, accommodates and raises all beings indiscriminately. A place where all beings (seen & unseen) can feel a sense of safety and belonging. Like a vast ocean that welcomes and accommodates the flows from all rivers indiscriminately. It is a basin, a cradle for all. All countries should aim to be this powerful.

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35) The power of one may not have much effect, but the power of all can change the world. So, do what you can, one small step at a time and remember to maintain your strength and determination from the beginning right to the end. Heaven on earth is possible, it just takes all beings to realise.

 

36) When governing, one must look at the big picture and consider not only the past, present, but also far into the future. Plan for the future, build systems and structures that pre-empts any form of disasters big or small.

 

37) Be kind, live a simple life. Not everything is a competition.

 

38) We are all different and everyone has a gift. Through Dao, discover, accept and live your true self.

 

39) Tax those who have too much to help those who do not have enough.

 

40) Learn to forgive.

 

41) The truth may not be pleasant to hear, but what is pleasant may not be the truth.

 

42) Help raise all beings (seen & unseen) not hurt them.

 

43) Follow Dao and you shall find.

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