LEVELS OF VIRTUE

Chapter 38 of the Tao Te Ching tells us that there are many who do not understand the true meaning of virtue. These are the people who constantly think about how best to appear virtuous to others, and this makes their actions contrived and calculated. They see what they do for others as favors, and they expect the appropriate recognition or compensation in return. At the very minimum, they want everyone to know how virtuous they are.

Those who understand the true meaning of virtue have a completely different mind-set. Everything they do is effortlessly aligned with the Tao, so they do not need to think about what to do. Their compassionate and beneficial actions are instinctive, as natural to them as the sun or a mountain stream. This inspires respect in others, who appreciate them as much as the warmth from the sun or the refreshing water from the stream. This is the ideal of the highest virtue in the Tao.

The Tao Today

Center yourself in virtue today. How consistently can you act in accordance with the Tao without thinking, or attempting to make yourself more visible? The more you let your innermost self guide your actions, the more naturally virtuous you will be.

The Tao of Joy Every Day

~ Derek Lin