Choose Compassion

| The Tao Chapter 49 – My Third Interpretation|

Choose to master compassion.

Stand in the shoes of others, knowing that similar to you, they seek to experience pleasure and avoid pain.

Behind every seemingly pleasing action, this is the case. Behind every seemingly displeasing action, this is the case.

Know this and choose to be compassionate.

Their behavior is not towards you personally; it is the result of bounded ways of knowing how to avoid pain.

With an understanding mind and compassionate heart, do well by helping them learn unlimited ways of experiencing pleasure.

Choose to master compassion and help them learn how to experience joy without hurting others.

LIVING THE TAO: Today, practice understanding the actions of others who may offend you. Know that their actions are rooted in avoiding pain and ask yourself what pain might they be avoiding. Stand in their shoes, then offer compassion recognizing that this is what they know. Be an example so they can one day know another way.

My 2018 focus is to intentionally live the Tao Te Ching. This is my third reading of Stephen Mitchell’s translation. I share my daily interpretations hoping to inspire you to do the same.

Embrace your journey. Experience bliss. Live the Tao.