Three Treasures

From Aryez

Book 47 of the Marfat

47: Three Treasures

1. When questioned about his teachings,

2. the prophet Lao Tzu said: “Everyone

3. says my way is great but improbable.

4. All greatness is improbable. What is

5. probable is tedious and petty. I

6. have three treasures. I keep

7. and treasure them. The first, mercy,

8. the second, moderation, the third,

9. modesty. If you are merciful, you

10. can be brave, if you are moderate,

11. you can be generous, and if you

12. do not presume to lead, you can

13. lead the high and mighty. But to

14. be brave without compassion, or

15. generous without self restraint or

16. to take the lead automatically is fatal. Compassion

17. wins the battle and holds the fort. It is the

18. bulwark set around those whom heaven helps.

Commentary: This book declares that moral treasures are more important than material treasures. Among the most important of these moral treasures are mercy, moderation, and modesty. If a person follows these principles, he will attain many things in life, but if a person neglects these principles, he will be doomed to many trials. Most important of all is compassion because anything done with compassion is done in a good manner and will benefit everyone. Actions devoid of compassion are devoid of meaning. Therefore do small things with great love.