Been going through some tough and hectic times lately (explains why I haven't been posting on my blog). And once again I have found solace in contemplating the Tao.
Curious how such an ancient book of wisdom remains so relevant and useful today.
I have been contemplating the three jewels: compassion, moderation and humility. These are the core concepts of Taoism (and incidentally feature in many other religious/spiritual teachings). Compassion means 'kindness' and is perhaps the single most important concept of anyone who claims to follow a spiritual path. Yet how easily we can forget it - especially when it comes to being kind to ourselves.
To me moderation means 'the middle way' (as recommended by Buddha). It means being 'moderate' in our actions - not too strident, not too meek. It means wu wei - of living effortlessly and going with the flow.
Then there is humility - or, in other words, letting go of the ego. When caring for someone - the challenge is to ask yourself 'Is my way the best way? Is my way the only way?' We can know what works for ourselves - but how can we know the mind of another?
But the three jewels are not meant to be viewed in isolation: they work together. So, by practising humility we can let go of our worries about 'doing the right thing' and open our heart to wu wei. This naturally leads to more harmony and a more compassionate way of caring.
What are your thoughts on the three jewels? Do they have relevance for your life right now?
8 comments:
Well Stoneweaver, we are once again on the same page, both sprouting our philosophies through blogging!
The three jewels you speak of here (compassion, moderation and humility), I do cherish these traits and try my upmost for follow the philosophy. Of course I often fail but there is another saying "If you never fail, you are not trying hard enough"!
As always sending my love and light to help you through your difficult times.
Peggy xxxxx
The three jewels are extremely relevant in my life right now. I'm working through some traumatic experiences while healing. Thank you for posting this.
I hope you and your country are healing well.
Take care.
I have been wondering about you. I've missed your posts. Whatever is going on with you, has caused you to look to your inner self and turn to Tao to remind yourself how you strive to live.
Compassion is almost always easy, as well as moderation. But humility is difficult for me. Oh, not blatantly, but difficult all the same.
Thanks for the comments. Yes it is a really difficult time for me. I miss blogging! Thanks for your well wishes. I will probably blog again when things settled a bit.
Missed you stoneweaver
Beautiful jewels and I think the best way to live by although it will require a lot of awareness and won't be easy. I think you are however already a lot on the right path. I hope you are feeling better soon and that you will find love and light on your path.
Kia Kaha
I am sorry to read of your difficult time... but I know you will come out the other side wiser and happy to have the difficulties behind you.
I feel that the three jewels that you speak of are valuable guidelines for life.
All we need to do is change the way we think to enhance the way we feel.
best wishes and love
Robyn
Wonderful to find a post here again! I connect in so many ways with your troubled times! My life has been totally upended and I too need to rethink my life travel plans and roll more calmly with new journeys! In so many ways the Tao jewels seem to be around me like angel wings!
Hi Marja, Gemma and Robyn. Good to hear from you too. I do miss my blogging - and as you will see I have taken some time for myself to pen a new post.
Hopefully things will get back to normal and I will be back in the blogging saddle.
Meanwhile I hope all my cyber friends are well and happy.
Namaste.
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