Daoism teaches that if one is in harmony with the Way they will effortlessly enter an authentic state of virtue where they are compassionate, moderate, humble, and flexible.
Effortless
The sage follows the Way because it is the highest path.
“The master abides in the fruit and not in the husk. She dwells in the Dao, and not with the things that hide it. This is how she increases in wisdom.”
Dao De Jing, Chapter 38
When in harmony with the Way one effortlessly enters a state of virtue.
The greatest virtue you can have comes from following only the Dao; which takes a form that is intangible and evasive.“
Dao De Jing, Chapter 21
Striving
The sage never strives for virtue because this is forced and superficial.
“No one tells them to honor the Dao and its virtue, it happens all by itself. So the Dao gives them birth, and its virtue cultivates them, cares for them, nurtures them, gives them a place of refuge and peace, helps them to grow and shelters them.”
Dao De Jing, Chapter 51
If one actively tries to be virtuous it is artificial and insincere.
“When the Dao is forgotten, there is righteousness. When righteousness is forgotten, there is morality. When morality is forgotten, there is the law. The law is the husk of faith, and trust is the beginning of chaos.”
Dao De Jing, Chapter 38
Virtues
The sage has compassion for all people.
“The Master’s mind is shut off from the world. Only for the sake of the people does she muddle her mind. They look to her in anticipation. Yet she treats them all as her children.”
Dao De Jing, Chapter 49
They are benevolent, righteous, wise, knowledgeable, flexible, and loyal.
“The kind person acts from the heart, and accomplishes a multitude of things. The righteous person acts out of pity, yet leaves many things undone. The moral person will act out of duty, and when no one will respond will roll up his sleeves and use force.”
Dao De Jing, Chapter 38
The three most important virtues are compassion, moderation, and humility.
“There are three jewels that I cherish: compassion, moderation, and humility.”
Dao De Jing, Chapter 67
Leadership
For this reason ancient leaders didn’t seek to teach virtue, but encouraged others to follow the Way.
“Forget about knowledge and wisdom, and people will be a hundred times better off. Throw away charity and righteousness, and people will return to brotherly love. Throw away profit and greed, and there won’t be any thieves. These three are superficial and aren’t enough to keep us at the center of the circle.”
Dao De Jing, Chapter 19
Summary
If one is in harmony with the Way they will effortlessly enter a state of virtue. The sage never strives for virtue because this is forced, superficial, and insincere. They are benevolent, righteous, wise, knowledgeable, flexible, and loyal but the three most important virtues are compassion, moderation, and humility. Ancient leaders didn’t teach virtue but encouraged others to follow the Way.
Resource:
Tao Te Ching, Laozi, A Translation for the Public Domain by J.H. McDonald, 1996.
