Next to the Daoist notion of the Dao we find the concept of De, which is often translated as “virtue” or “uprightness”. It is a key element of Daoist practice, being the second character in the title of Lao Zi’s classic of Daoism, the Dao De Jing (Tao Te Ching). It goes beyond a moral code or set of precepts, and rather refers to certain qualities that we can look to instil within ourselves through a practice of contemplation.
As our practice deepens, we become more sensitive to our inner nature, and this can hold up a magnifying glass to the worst aspects of our character – anger, frustration, irritability, sadness, anxiety, fearfulness, rumination, flightiness, hysteria… all these can rise to the surface and emerge in terrible starkness as we turn our awareness within ourselves and look with increasing clarity.
So, having some focus on building a substantial foundation can be highly beneficial, helping to keep us on the right path and to give us some stability and sense of anchoring. But what sort of virtues should we look to cultivate within ourselves? Following are a few ideas we might like to consider, as a complement to our daily meditation practice.
I find it helpful to bring these to mind as I first set my feet upon the floor when sitting up in the morning, accompanied by some deep, mindful breathing and a conscious enjoyment of silence. As each foot presses down, breathe and fill your being with whatever quality you wish to infuse. It only takes a few seconds, but can set the tone and resonate throughout the rest of your day. Such contemplations can also serve as nice ‘bookends’ to a formal seated meditation session.
Gratitude
Gratitude is a quality often embedded into prayer but frequently overlooked in our daily lives. When considered deeply you begin to realise it takes the whole of humankind, the whole planet, and the whole universe, for you to exist. It offers a healthy perspective, humility, and a gentle outlook. It also helps to reduce that easily inflated sense of self, to which we all cling to some extent.
Generosity
Also there is generosity, meaning generosity of spirit rather than simply giving material things. It includes kindness and friendliness, forgiveness of self and others, and a non-judging and patient attitude. You could think of gratitude and generosity as two sides of a coin – a receiving quality and a giving quality. Perhaps the coin itself is stamped with something like ‘interconnection’?
Acceptance
Acceptance is another idea I’d suggest. I think that encapsulates notions of openness, surrender, and (like generosity) patience and withholding judgement. I dislike the word ‘tolerance’ – it implies an underlying aversion or intolerance, whereas acceptance contains a fundamental “Yes!”.
Playfulness
Playfulness, too, is a crucial quality we should look to actively cultivate. I think that combines curiosity and humour nicely, as well as keeping some space around things mentally – not attaching to things too closely. By maintaining a healthy distance we can retain our awareness and not lose ourselves in our emotions and the external world. And we remember not to take ourselves too seriously, either. It’s important to retain a sense of the absurdity of life, of our own insignificance, mortality, foolishness, and wretchedness. There are few things worse than a “serious meditator”!
Of course, there are many other virtuous qualities we might look to foster within ourselves. This is by no means meant to be a complete list; it is merely a starting point for further exploration.
Body postures and gestures are an interesting complement to our contemplation practice. As far as I know they’re pretty universal around the world, although their cultural expressions are often quite different, of course. I’m thinking in particular of hand mudras and prayer, and prostrations and bowing; the notion that you can embody a particular quality or virtue, and make it literally a part of your physical self.
In this way we build strong links between, for example, pressing our palms together and feeling grateful, and so with practice we simply have to make the gesture for that quality to express itself through us. Similarly, a gesture with our palms facing outward could signify generosity or acceptance, and a slight smile and softness in the eyes could express a sense of mischief, as well as kindness.
De is more than just a philosophical outlook or an ethical code that we dutifully observe. It is an exploration of ourselves, a grounding for our wayward minds, and a way of remembering our spiritual path and nurturing our inner being. If we can attain to the Dao, then De will express itself naturally, without effort. Until then, we might just need a little help…
The Azure Dragon 