The blog will pick a word of the week, to share & explore the selected word. Here’s an expression for the word – Rén (仁).
Rén (仁) is the foundational virtue in Confucian philosophy. “To be humane is to be human.” Translated as benevolence, humanness or human-heartedness. It represents kindness, empathy & universal love toward others. The golden rule is treating every living being with humanity, compassion, fairness & respect, promoting a harmonious society. Empathetic reciprocity is the heart of Rén. Social harmony can be developed through reflection, education, self-awareness, leadership & discipline. “To practice five things under all circumstances constitutes perfect virtue – gravity, generosity of the soul, sincerity, earnestness & kindness.”
Kindness begins with a quiet heart
Seeing another as a part of oneself
In gentle deeds the world is healed
This is the path of Ren.
Not in power, not in fame
But in compassion softly shown
The one who walks the path of Ren
Makes every heart a home.