Beancurdturtle's Musing on "Respect"

[beancurdturtle]

[fatherpaul]

Recently I was asked to define what I mean when I use the word "respect." That's a fair question - so let's give it a whirl.

 

My definition of the word "respect" is based on Chapter 49 of Laozi's Dao de Jing. By my simple minded understanding, this chapter is "The Golden Rule" (aka "the ethic of reciprocity") stated in Taoist terms.

 

The same thought has been expressed in many ways over centuries:

 

Respect for me is a great deal about acceptance and acting in accordance with "the ethic of reciprocity." What does "respect" mean to you?

 

 

"the bhudda is in the heart of all beings"

 

*bows*

 

peace my brother,

 

fatherpaul

[zenbrook]

"the bhudda is in the heart of all beings"

*bows*

ZenB

[林愛偉]

*bows*

ZenB

 

 

*bows*

[beancurdturtle]

boy and bows

 

 

[Mike Rambling]

Beancurdturtle, greetings from a new member.

 

Your quote from chapter 49 of the Tao Te Ching is lovely. Can you tell us please which translation it's from.

 

Many thanks in advance.

[Mike Rambling]

Edited July 24, 2007 by Mike Rambling

[fatherpaul]

"The gentle live in harmony with the world,

And their mind is the world's mind.

So they nurture the worlds of others

As a mother does her children."

 

*bows*

[林愛偉]

"The gentle live in harmony with the world,

And their mind is the world's mind.

So they nurture the worlds of others

As a mother does her children."

 

*bows*

 

If one cultivates this teaching, they will indeed encounter healthy and peaceful

environments of dweling. They will attain good roots in cultivation, and attain the result

of good virtue, patience, compassion and wisdom.

 

 

Peace and Happiness,

Aiwei