The Three Jewels
Compassion, moderation, humility
The ethical heart of Taoism is held in three jewels. Compassion: since everything in the universe is part of the Dao, harming others is the same as harming yourself. You are connected to everything – as a wave is connected to the sea.
Moderation: avoid both extreme asceticism and extreme indulgence. The golden middle way preserves your life energy. Humility: do not seek the spotlight driven by ego – the tree that rises highest in the forest catches the most wind.
When a colleague snaps at you, the ego thinks: 'What an idiot, I'll get them back!' Compassion thinks: 'They are clearly not doing well today. Maybe they carry a burden I know nothing about.'
Think of someone who has irritated you recently. What fear or pain might have been behind their behavior?
Meet one irritating person today with the question: 'What is this human being carrying that I cannot see?'