The Poem
- Christopher Pei
- 24 hours ago
- 3 min read
Updated: 12 minutes ago
A poem I read 55 years ago affected my view on life. As I mature, each time I read this poem, my understanding changes. The verses of this ancient poem are not mere words but gentle whispers from the past, offering guidance for living with grace, humility, and resilience. To uncover the compassion and depth hidden within its simplicity.
The Poem
Do not speak of other’s faults,
Do not boast of your own merits.
When giving, do not dwell on it,
When receiving, never forget.
Worldly desires are not worth coveting,
Only human virtues uphold order.
Act only after reflection-
How can slander harm you?
Let not fame exceed truth,
Guarding simplicity is the sage’s treasure.
In darkness, value remains unstained,
Dim yet holding inner light.
The soft and weak are companions of life,
Laozi warned against rigidity.
To rise above the vulgar mind-
Such depth defies measure.
Be cautious in speech, temperate in meals,
Contentment wards of misfortune.
If you persist in action,
Fragrance will linger in time.
Finding Serenity in the Chaos: Timeless Wisdom from an Ancient Poem
Life is like a vast ocean, sometimes calm and serene, sometimes turbulent and stormy. How can we maintain inner peace amid the noise and distraction of the world? A nameless poem from two thousand years ago offers enduring life philosophy through simple yet profound words. It does not teach us to conquer the world but guides us to look inward, to live authentically through humility, moderation, and perseverance, allowing the true fragrance of life to blossom.
The power of Silence over a Thousand Words
“Do not speak of other’s faults; do not boast of your own merits.” These lines may seem straightforward, yet they form the foundation of harmonious relationships. We often seek validation by comparing ourselves to others or judging their shortcoming, only to lose our peace in the process. Try letting go of the urge to dwell on others’ flaws or measure your worth through external eyes. True strength comes from focusing on your own path, not racing to outpace others. Like a mountain stream flowing through rocks, it does not clamor against obstacles but gathers strength silently, eventually pooling into a deep, tranquil pond.
To Give and Receive: Gift of Life
When helping others, do not tally your generosity; when receiving kindness, hold gratitude close. This is not a call to sainthood but a reminder: balance in giving and receiving allows relationships to breathe naturally. When we shift our focus from “what have I gained?” to “what can I offer?”, the sense of scarcity within begins to fade. Just as soil nourishes seeds without demanding flowers in return, generosity thrives when unburdened by expectation.
Guarding the Inner Light in a Chaotic World
The world tempts us to chase fame, wealth, and fleeting trends, yet the poem whispers: “Worldly desires are not worth coveting; only human virtues uphold order.” External noise may cloud our vision, but what truly matters, integrity, humility, sincerity, can never be dimmed by darkness. Like jade buried deep in the earth, even in mud, it retains its warm, unblemished glow.
Softness: The Strongest Path to Resilience
Laozi taught, “The soft and weak are companions of life.” This is not a call to weakness but an invitation to bend like reeds in the wind rather than snap like rigid branches. In conflict, release the urge to fight; in hardship, allow yourself to yield temporarily. True courage often lies in sincere apology, a gracious compromise, or the quiet acceptance of life’s ebbs and flows.
Time Rewards Steadfastness
“If you persist in action, fragrance will linger with time.” We crave instant results, yet underestimate the power of small, consistent habits. Ten minutes of morning reading, an extra kind word to a loved one, a moment of focus at work, these seemingly ordinary acts, when nurtured daily, will one day bloom into something extraordinary. Like wild orchids in the mountains, they grow unseen year after year until their subtle fragrance fills the entire valley.
The answers to life may lie within the lines of the ancient poem: there is no need to rush to prove yourself or be shackled by others’ judgments. When we learn to cultivate silence, embrace flexibility, and persevere in simplicity, we discover that the most profound beauty is not chased but naturally revealed, a quiet radiance the flows from the soul.
