Observation, logic, folklore and presuppositions

[Lou Gold]

The potential for power over others accompanies spiritual development as an evil twin and constant temptor. Unintegrated or unbalanced development lacking union between thought and action is terribly problematic and probably accounts for why good intentions can result in evil results. Lately, I've been contemplating some wise observations.

From the Tao Te Ching:

When the Master governs, the people
are hardly aware that he exists.
Next best is a leader who is loved.
next, one who is feared.
The worst is one who is despised.

If you don't trust the people,
you make them untrustworthy.

The Master doesn't talk, he acts.
When his work is done,
the people say, "Amazing:
we did it, all by ourselves!"

And from Thich Nhat Hanh speaking on the power of empathy:

When you plant lettuce, if it doesn't grow well, you don't blame the lettuce. You look for reasons why it is not doing well. It may need fertilizer, or more water, or less sun. You never blame the lettuce. Yet, if we have problems with friends or family, we blame the other person. But if we know how to take care of them, they will grow well, like the lettuce. Blaming has no positive effect at all, nor does trying to persuade using reason and argument. That is my experience. No blame, no reasoning, no argument, just understanding. If you understand, and you show that you understand, you can love, and the situation will change.

Perhaps we need to look upon leaders, saints, sages, heroes, role models, luminaries and our own higher selves with a great care that is both caring and careful. Maybe it's less about hierarchy and more like enfolded layers of lettuce.

[Ben Iscatus]

The Master doesn't talk, he acts.
When his work is done,
the people say, "Amazing:
we did it, all by ourselves!"

Ideal!

[findingblanks]

Thanks, Lou