Many Eastern cultures, religions, and philosophies place a strong emphasis on seeking harmony with one’s environment, family, and community. In these traditions, the well-being of all is often considered just as important as the well-being of the individual — if not more so.
In Confucianism, one of the foundational teachings is the idea of “ren,” or humaneness. It encourages us to treat others with respect and compassion. Similarly, in Buddhism, the concept of “mettā,” or benevolence, is key to cultivating such compassion. And at the heart of Taoism is learning to live in harmony with the nature of things.
Harmony is a recurring theme throughout many Eastern teachings and practices. Compassion and kindness are necessary for nurturing a community — which is key to a meaningful and fulfilling life. These idioms and quotes on caring for your community distill those teachings to a few memorable — and applicable — words of wisdom and advice.
What you do not want done to yourself, do not do to others.
Trees planted by the ancestors provide shade for their descendants.
Those who do not have faith in others will not be able to stand on their own.
When we are able to take one step peacefully and happily, we are working for the cause of peace and happiness for the whole of humankind. Walking meditation is a wonderful practice.
Harmony in the family leads to prosperity in all undertakings.
He who sees all beings in his self and his self in all beings, he never suffers; because when he sees all creatures within his true self, then jealousy, grief and hatred vanish. He alone can love.
You must not lose faith in humanity. Humanity is an ocean; if a few drops of the ocean are dirty, the ocean does not become dirty.
Souls render service to one another.
If you want happiness for an hour — take a nap. / If you want happiness for a day — go fishing. / If you want happiness for a year — inherit a fortune. / If you want happiness for a lifetime — help someone else.
One who neglects or disregards the existence of earth, air, fire, water, and vegetation disregards his own existence which is entwined with them.
Only when all contribute their firewood can they build up a strong fire.
A single tree makes no forest; one string makes no music.
Cultivated in the person, integrity is true. / Cultivated in the family, integrity is ample. / Cultivated in the village, integrity lasts long. / Cultivated in the state, integrity is abundant. / Cultivated everywhere under heaven, integrity is vast.
Go forth in every direction — for the happiness, the harmony, the welfare of the many. Offer your heart, the seeds of understanding, like a lamp overturned and re-lit, illuminating the darkness.
Featured Image Credit: Fairfax Media Archives via Getty Images
Nicole Villeneuve
Nicole is a writer, thrift store lover, and group-chat meme spammer based in Ontario, Canada.
