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Ushering the New Year - Taoism views on Peace and Joy


The Supreme Patriarch Lao Zi (Tai Shang Lao Jun)

This message for peace and joy is by Master Lee Zhiwang, President of Taoist Mission (Singapore). The article was also published on the Straits Times on 23rd Dec 2006, Saturday Special Report.

OUR world is what it is today because humans are selfish, egotistic, vengeful and arrogant.

We covet all that is shiny and materialistic. Our pursuit of the materialistic has made us lose sight of our humanity and Moral values.

From a Taoist viewpoint, peace is possible if people (or men) treat each other with equality.

Those who have should look out for those who have not. Those who are successful should teach those who are less so. If this happens, we can achieve equality.
Without equality, there will be no respect. Without respect, there will be no harmony. Instead, conflict with ensue.

Peace is like the Taoist symbol of yin and yang, it will be attained when we are able to compliment our differences and live harmony.

Those who want to seek peace must first find peace in their heart. Don't harp on the materialistic.
When your heart is consumed with desire, it will never be at peace. You will neglect human relations, your friends and family. You may think you have gained but you have actually lost.

Wealth or material possessions do not necessarily bring happiness. Look at the various newspaper reports of people fighting over their parents' property. Can you imagine how the parents would feel if they knew what was happening? They would be turning in their graves.

The fact that we are talking about the strife and tragedies of the world today makes me sad.

In Taoism, the search for peace and harmony lies with man. Man decides for better or worse.

Man himself is responsible for the state of the world today. We exploit Mother Nature, we damage the eco system, we are in a way responsible for viruses, and disasters.

The natural calamities and disasters we see are a sign from heaven to be mindful of our actions. Heaven is impartial; it does not favour or spare anyone. You reap what you sow.

But even as I despair, I also have great hope. For the Tao says Peace is Man. And as long as there is life, there is hope.

Man should start cultivating the three great virtues - or the three treasures - of humility, frugality and compassion.

We just need to start first with ourselves before we proceed to our family, our fellow men, our country and then the whole
world.

The Tao says: ""Peace is Man, and Harmony comes from the man who gives without contention''.