C O M P A S S I O N a n d T A O
Whilst researching the San Bao, or ‘Three Treasures’ in Chinese culture and Tao,
I came across a discourse that resonated deeply. Derek Lin writes on these treasures...
to quote, ‘The essence of Buddha nature is compassion, and as Lao Tzu
points out in chapter 67 of the Tao Te Ching, compassion is the source
of courage. Courage is the source of strength - not the false strength of
brute force, but the true strength of character and heart.’
I really like that...Compassion flowing into courage...courage flowing into strength.
Creating a strong and stable character and heart. Compassion...being able to relate,
to understand and attempt to ease the suffering of all.
Wikipedia has the following to say on compassion:-
Compassion is the emotion that one feels in response to the suffering of others that motivates a desire to help.
The etymology of "compassion" is Latin, meaning "co-suffering." More involved than
simple empathy, compassion commonly gives rise to an active desire to alleviate
another's suffering.
The English noun compassion, meaning to love together with, comes from Latin.
Ranked a great virtue in numerous philosophies, compassion is considered in almost
The Tao Te Ching is a classical Chinese text, traditionally credited to the sage,
Laozi and written around the 6th century BC. Lao Tzu literally translates as
‘Old Master’. Laozi was a record keeper at the royal court of the Zhou dynasty.
True authorship and date of composition are debated.
Tao has become a part of the English language and appears in all the major
dictionaries. Simply translated as ‘The Way’...but meaning vastly more.
There are several translations of the Tao Te Ching. Derek Lin has set a standard
for his accuracy and ability to capture the lyrical beauty of the original work.
He was born in Taiwan and grew up fluent in both Chinese and English.
As we transition through the ending of one year, our festive season and beginning
of a new year...compassion is truly one attribute we can cultivate within and without.
Infinite compassion. That’s my wish for 2015.
Credits, ‘The Three Treasures of I-Kuan Tao’ by Derek Lin. Wikipedia. Lesley-Ann Green
