Simplicity, Patience And Compassion: The Three Treasures
According to Eastern tradition there are three treasures on the
pathway to enlightenment: simplicity, patience and compassion.
At first glance, such simple ideas. Yet after contemplation one
easily recognizes: it's these basic thoughts, when woven into
our day, that can lead each of us to a contemplative, peaceful
and more fulfilling life.
In this short article then, I invite you to take a page from
Eastern religion: explore the three treasures and become aware
of your relationship to them.
Simplicity The first treasure: simplicity. Simplicity in thought
and action. According to author Thomas Cleary in his translation
of Taoist Meditation, simplicity leads the seeker on the Way.
Simplicity of thought, he tells us, can often be brought about
by silence. And in the silence, we gain personal wisdom. If
finding 10 or 20 minutes each day to rest quietly or meditate
could bring you closer to peace, would you be more conscientious
in devoting this time?
Simplicity of action, however, feels a greater challenge. It
involves priorities and discovering what is truly important.
Here's how I personally handle this: When I feel overwhelmed by
my "to-do list" I create a game by challenging myself to let go
of everything I can do without. Then, I remove as many things as
I can from my list. What I am left with are those items of
greatest importance. I devote as much time necessary to
completing each task with joy and precision.
Try it now. What can you remove from the task list today that
could bring you closer to simplifying your life? What will you
place your attention on?
Patience Treasure number two: patience. Yes, the virtue. And
just like simplicity, it is also a challenge to move slowly
through tasks until they have been completed or to remain calm
when dealing with someone outrageous. I've found that we are
often mirror images of others and attract to us parts of
ourselves. This is important to note as it could manifest
positive or negative events, depending on mindset. In this
light, Inalya Vanzant reminds us to keep thoughts pure. She
tells us to remind ourselves: "I will gain more understanding
when I realize... how I interpret what comes at me is a
reflection of what is in me." When faced with a situation
requiring patience ask yourself: Am I casting a positive image?
In this framework, more of my favorite wisdom comes from author
Richard Carlson in his new book: Easier Than You Think. In it he
explains, when we are with someone, we should make every effort
to pay expert attention to that person. This engages them and
often can diffuse a stressful situation by simply making them
feel important. With this in mind, the next time you engage in
conversation or even a casual chat with someone: ask yourself if
you are creating a role model's image.
Compassion Compassion, the third treasure. I often liken it to
empathy. Although we cannot always know directly what it is like
to be another, we can value everyone's need to be heard.
Conflict or anger is often a cry for help. We simply need to be
aware of our circumstances in effort to create compassion in our
lives. We will be called to help others as we become more
enlightened vessels of peace. Events will come to us as a
reflection of what we need to heal in ourselves.
Thomas Cleary reminds us we should always act in sincerity. In
Taoist Meditation he writes: "to choose what is good and hold
onto it firmly is a matter of sincerity." Compassion, as well,
challenges us to define what is most important to us; a
reoccurring theme throughout the three treasures. To me, this
involves being awake and aware in our lives to see the ways in
which we are available to give sincerity and service.
Today, be aware of the ways spirit is working through you.
Remember: You are the vessel of peace for others and the world.
I believe, the more we become vulnerable to trust and open
ourselves to sincerity, the more we can allow compassionate
behavior into our lives and become enlightened each and every
day.
In Conclusion: It is my wish these positive ideas enhance your
life and bring you peace. Be conscious every day of the messages
you are receiving, the people you meet, your experiences. It is
amazing the way these simple ideas can enrich your life
exponentially. Go forth then, and be aware. Place your attention
on the three treasures: in the darkness they will bring you
light.