The Tao

for Babies

ILLUSTRATIONS BY CHRIS RIDDELL

 The Tao
for Babies
for Rose
 The Tao
for Babies

Illustrated by Chris Riddell

Text by Claire Nielson

EBURY PRESS
LONDON
 First published in 2000

13579 10 8642

Text copyright © Claire Nielson 2000

Illustrations copyright © Chris Riddell 2000

Chris Riddell has asserted his right to be identified as illustrator of this work.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced,

stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means,
electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise,
without the prior permission of the copyright owners.

First published in the United Kingdom in 2000 by Ebury Press

Random House • 20 Vauxhall Bridge Road • London SW1V 2SA

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Random House UK Limited Reg. No. 954009

A CIP catalogue record for this book is available from the British Library

ISBN 0 09 187484 X

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Printed and bound in Great Britain by Mackays of Chatham pic, Kent

 Contents

Principles

Relationships and Communication

Self-control

Wisdom
 Digitized by the Internet Archive
in 2018 with funding from
Kahle/Austin Foundation

https://archive.org/details/taoforbabiesOOOOridd
Principles
THE T A O FOR BABIES

Before follows after

8
 PRINCIPLES

There is an endless current of tireless energy

9
 the tao for babies

Outlandish goods ensnare human lives

10
 PRINCIPLES

The source of all things must be understood

n
 THE T A O FOR BABIES

Stern and strong are defeated by soft and weak

12
 PRINCIPLES

The softest thing can conquer the strongest

13
THE T A O FOR BABIES

Possessions entail losses

14
 PRINCIPLES

Practise the rituals of the ancestors

15
 THE T A O FOR BABIES

Closely observe the processes of creation and evolution

16
 PRINCIPLES

Contemplate the self through the self

17
THE T A O FOR BABIES

Everything easy ...

18
 PRINCIPLES

... involves difficulty

19
THE T A O FOR BABIES

The strong remain gentle

20
 PRINCIPLES

Vitality, energy and spirit are not easily sustained

21
 THE T A O FOR BABIES

When we walk slowly, we do not stumble

22
 PRINCIPLES

Go higher with every step

23
 Relationships
and
Communication

25
 THE T A O FOR BABIES

The sound of one’s own voice is not

always enjoyed by others

26
RELATIONSHIPS AND COMMUNICATION

Endeavour to understand that which is alien to you

27
 THE T A O FOR BABIES

Understanding others is intelligent ...

28
RELATIONSHIPS AND COMMUNICATION

... understanding yourself is enlightened

29
To cry all day without becoming hoarse
indicates complete harmony

30
RELATIONSHIPS AND COMMUNICATION

Without ever being taught create thousands of things

31
 THE T A O FOR BABIES

If violence is inevitable ... be restrained and remain calm

32
RELATIONSHIPS AND COMMUNICATION

There is great eloquence in silence

33
 THE T A O FOR BABIES

We are afraid when we are in favour ...

34
... and when we are not

35
 THE T A O FOR BABIES

There can be teaching without words

36
RELATIONSHIPS AND COMMUNICATION

When no one takes the credit, accomplishment endures

37
 THE T A O FOR BABIES

Power over a child is the great illusion

38
RELATIONSHIPS AND COMMUNICATION

Parents may mistake their desire to talk

for your readiness to listen

39
THE T A O FOR BABIES

Virtuous people do not argue

40
RELATIONSHIPS AND COMMUNICATION

One can never repay the debt to a mother

41
Self-control

43
44
 SELF-CONTROL

Constant stimulation only distracts

45
 THE T A O FOR BABIES

Nothing is harmed if we know when to stop

46
 SELF CONTROL

Anything can be overcome

47
 THE T A O FOR BABIES

When we try to control the world we never succeed

48
SELF CONTROL

Sit calmly in a trance

49
 THE TAO FOR BABIES

/" t<\

Pound it and beat it ... it will not last long

50
 SELF CONTROL

What is gripped is lost

51
 THE T A O FOR BABIES

Do not prize fine objects and they will not be stolen

52
SELF CONTROL

Act independently

53
In the midst of magnificent scenery ...
remain calm and still

54
 SELF CONTROL

Once craving has gone, we see mystery

55
THE T A O FOR BABIES

56
SELF CONTROL

57
Wisdom

59
 THE T A O FOR BABIES

Embrace the one and balance the life force

60
 WISDOM

Enlightenment is an understanding of the ordinary

61
 THE TAO FOR BABIES

Although we are given names ...

62
 WISDOM

... our reality is nameless and mysterious

63
THE T A O FOR BABIES

Look after the belly

64
 WISDOM

Value the teacher

65
THE T A O FOR BABIES

Cultivate emptiness

66
 WISDOM

Learn when to accept the support of others

67
THE TAO FOR BABIES

68
WISDOM

69
 THE T A O FOR BABIES

The mind is burdened with likes ...

70
 WISDOM

<0
o

... and dislikes

71
THE T A O FOR BABIES

... go with the flow

72
 WISDOM

... attain the mysterious profundities

73
THE T A O FOR BABIES

Always aspire to a higher place

74
 WISDOM

Breathe gently

75
THE T A O FOR BABIES

76
 WISDOM

Be totally sincere

77
THE T A O FOR BABIES

Those who have no desire ...

78
 WISDOM

... experience serenity

79
 THE T A O FOR BABIES

Sleep soundly ... do not worry through the night

80
 Lao-Tzu’s ancient text, the Tao Te Ching, has much to

offer the new infant. With their instinctive grasp of its

principles, babies everywhere will find the wisdom

contained in this new interpretation both a revelation

and a confirmation of their own world vision. Targeted

specifically at their needs, the charmingly illustrated

aphorisms will enable them to enhance their

understanding of the subject and share these great

lessons with their family and carfers. Essential reading

for all those who wish to make an early start in their

search for wisdom and enlightenment.

9780091874841
2015 11 1612:35
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