The Dao De Jing (Tao Te Ching) outlines how one can live in accordance with the “Way” of the universe. Compassion is considered one of the three treasure of the Dao (Tao). Those with compassion will succeed in life and become strong. They will win in conflict and be able to defend themselves.
“I have three treasures that I cherish. The first is compassion. The second is moderation. The third is not claiming to be first in the world.“
“By compassion one can be brave. By moderation one can be generous. By not claiming to be first in the world one can rule.“
Dao De Jing, Chapter 67
Taking Care of Others
A wise person makes sure that others don’t feel alone and isolated. Having compassion for others means making sure that all people have what they need.
“Therefore the sage takes care of all people, Forsaking no one. He takes care of all things, Forsaking nothing. This is called following the light.“
Dao De Jing, Chapter 27
Being Good to All
Compassion means being good to those who are not good. One should be faithful to those who are not faithful. Compassion gives the virtue of faithfulness and sincerity (Dao De Ching, Chapter 49).
“He is good to those who are good. He is also good to those who are not good. That is the virtue of good. He is faithful to people who are faithful. He is also faithful to people who are not faithful. That is the virtue of faithfulness.“
Dao De Jing, Chapter 49
Protecting the Weak
Compassion allows one to see the small and protect the weak. In this way using compassion is following the Tao and will benefit both you and others (Tao Te Ching, Chapter 52).
“Seeing the small is called clarity. Holding on to the weak is called strength. Use the light to return to clarity. Then you will not cause yourself misery. This is called following the eternal.“
Dao De Jing, Chapter 52
Conclusion
Compassion is a treasure that will allow one to succeed in life and be protected. It involves protecting others and making sure no one is discarded. Compassion can also be challenging because it requires one to be good to those who are not good.
Daoism 