Honor Being Human

| The Tao Chapter 31 – My Second Interpretation |

The person who values peace avoids the tools of violence because she honors the humanness of all.

With peace, there is contentment; without it everything is an obstacle and everyone is an opponent.

She who values peace does not rejoice when others are harmed and resorts to physical violence only when absolutely necessary, but with a heavy heart.

A tool of violence though, is not only a sword, but also words—they too wound and kill.

Favor peace, showing concern for another who is human, such as yourself and do not delight in doing harm with the tools of violence.

Honor the humanness of others instead.

LIVING THE TAO: Today when you are agitated and cutting down another with words either orally or mentally, stop. See them as a human with a soul like yourself and search for their perspective. Allow your soul to see theirs.

My 2018 focus is to intentionally live the Tao Te Ching. This is my second 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.