THE TAO OF COMPASSION

A Tao sage looks through the eyes of the Tao at people. He does not regard them at just the surface level. He looks into them to see them as spiritual entities. When he interacts with them at this level, it is natural for him to be compassionate.

Mother Teresa said that when she looked at the beggars of Calcutta, she saw only God in a variety of disguises. Others might judge them harshly and look down on them, but Mother Teresa felt only kindness. To her, the Kingdom of Heaven was clearly visible in everyone’s heart, regardless of external appearance of social status.

The Tao Te Ching says that the sage is good to those who are good, as well as those who are not good. This points to the deeper meaning that when you perceive the spark of divinity in people, it is natural of you to treat all of them with the same level of kindness and respect. Your compassion is not limited to a select few; it is extended to everyone.

The Tao Today

Look at the people you come across every day. What do you see? Look deeper into their eyes and search for the glimmer of the soul there. Can you see the true self within the shell of the mortal body? How does this change your attitude toward them?

The Tao of Joy Every Day

~ Derek Lin