April 19, 2025
Some people find the ancient teachings helpful because they encourage us to be kind to ourselves. When we feel bad some way about ourselves, kindness towards ourselves is the way to treat this feeling. This then becomes the basis for extending the same unconditional kindness towards others.
Today is the 108th day, an important number to the ancients. Numbers are important in our lives, but are only symbols, a way to project order on to the universe. Numbers form a world with mysteries to explore and exploit, if our understanding is deep enough.
We can know the world, but first we must know ourselves, we can do this without going anywhere. Live a quiet, simple life, free of ideas and concepts. Find contentment in the practice of undiscriminating virtue, giving to others selflessly without expectation of reward.
We must not protest or revolt because something is wrong, but more importantly, if we want to establish a new system or better order, we must work diligently with people of like mind. The key is to seek out these wise and virtuous persons to work with to establish a new way.
Quote: I have learned to seek my happiness by limiting my desires, rather than in attempting to satisfy them.