Not exalting the gifted prevents quarrelling. Not collecting treasure prevents stealing. Not seeing desirable things prevents confusion of the heart. — Tao Te Ching, 3
We talk about getting our heart’s desire, as if that is a natural thing. But desire does not come from the heart, it comes from the mind. We need to protect our hearts from desire. The heart can love, but it does not desire. When you desire to be as gifted as another, you are feeling envy, not love. Don’t put the work of others above your own. Their work is their work, your work is your work. Their gift is their gift, your gift is your gift. You can work on improving your skill, but be sure it is your own skills you improve, and not merely to copy the work of others. Then you will not be envious of their work, but will begin to see the true beauty of your own.
4 Responses
Very well put!
Nice text, but isn’t it possible to put your work in relation with other people? What if I want to help a friend on an emotional basis (let’s say after a breakup). Will it not satisfy me more just to give her/him this pleasure above my own pleasures?
I’m just thinking out loud here, don’t shoot me or anything 🙂
Bert, of course it is possible to put other’s needs above your own. The point is not to compare your work to others, not to make yourself feel inferior/superior to others, but realize that what you are doing is your own.
Hey Donna,
I understand. That’s what I’m trying to tell myself, now that I’m in a complete identity-crisis (the first in my 25 years of existence). I just say to myself: I’m good, no matter what the rest thinks. I know, it sounds harsh, but it’s the only way to keep being optimistic.
There are several reasons why I think like this and why it’s very hard to keep optimistic, but I try to follow my Tao as a guide.
I used to feel superior to others, but I realised that this is no good for anyone, especially myself and my friends.
So yes, your own work is the most important, as long as it satisfies you, but that’s something very hard to admit.