The Dao De Jing outlines how one can live according to the Way of existence. Compassion is considered one of the three treasure of the Way and involves helping those that are rejected, weak, and alone.
“There are three jewels that I cherish: compassion, moderation, and humility. With compassion, you will be able to be brave.”
Dao De Jing, Chapter 67
Live for Others
The sage sees others as themself. They empathize with families, towns, nations, and the entire world.
“Then observe the person for what the person does, and observe the family for what it does, and observe the community for what it does, and observe the country for what it does, and observe the world for what it does.”
Dao De Jing, Chapter 54
They love the world as much as their own body.
“Love the whole world as if it were your self; then you will truly care for all things.”
Dao De Jing, Chapter 13
They become fulfilled by putting themselves last.
“The Master puts herself last; and finds herself in the place of authority. She detaches herself from all things; Therefore she is united with all things. She gives no thought to self. She is perfectly fulfilled.”
Dao De Jing, Chapter 7
Isolated
The sage helps those who are alone or isolated. They make sure that people have what they need to survive.
“Thus the Master is willing to help everyone, and doesn’t know the meaning of rejection. She is there to help all of creation, and doesn’t abandon even the smallest creature. This is called embracing the light.”
Dao De Jing, Chapter 27
They help those who are rejected.
“The supreme good is like water, which benefits all of creation without trying to compete with it. It gathers in unpopular places. Thus it is like the Dao.”
Dao De Jing, Chapter 8
They see the small and protect the weak.
“To understand the small is called clarity. Knowing how to yield is called strength. To use your inner light for understanding regardless of the danger is called depending on the Constant.”
Dao De Jing, Chapter 52
Faithful
Compassion can be challenging because it means being good to those who are not good. Being faithful to those who are not faithful.
“Those who are good she treats as good. Those who aren’t good she also treats as good. This is how she attains true goodness. She trusts people who are trustworthy. She also trusts people who aren’t trustworthy.”
Dao De Jing, Chapter 49
To return the animosity of others with compassion.
“If you give evil nothing to oppose, then virtue will return by itself.”
Dao De Jing, Chapter 60
Summary
Compassion is one of the three treasure of the Way and involves the sage loving the world has much as themself. They are fulfilled by putting themself last. The sage helps those who are alone and make sure people have what they need. They help the rejected, small, and weak. Compassion an be challenging because it means returning the animosity of others with virtue.
Resource:
Tao Te Ching, Laozi, A Translation for the Public Domain by J.H. McDonald, 1996.
