Warrior Of The Light Newsletter n. 185
By Paulo Coelho
The seventh and last cardinal virtue: Equilibrium
With this column we bring to a close the series of seven cardinal virtues composed of three theological virtues (Faith, Hope and Love) and four classic virtues (Wisdom, Justice, Courage and Equilibrium).
According to the New Testament (which appears not to agree very much with this particular virtue): These are the words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the ruler of God's creation. I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm - neither hot nor cold - I am about to spit you out of my mouth. (Apocalypse 3: 14-16)
In a Zen story: A fervent Buddhist lady made every effort to love others. But every time she went to the market, a merchant made indecent proposals to her.
One rainy morning, when the man bothered her once again, she lost control and hit him on the face with her umbrella. That same afternoon, she sought out a monk and told him what had happened.
"I am ashamed," she said. "I couldn't control my hate."
"You did wrong to hate him," answered the monk. "The next time he says something, fill your heart with goodness. And hit him again with your umbrella, because that's the only language he knows."
www.warriorofthelight.com
www.paulocoelhoblog.com
The seventh and last cardinal virtue: Equilibrium
With this column we bring to a close the series of seven cardinal virtues composed of three theological virtues (Faith, Hope and Love) and four classic virtues (Wisdom, Justice, Courage and Equilibrium).
According to the New Testament (which appears not to agree very much with this particular virtue): These are the words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the ruler of God's creation. I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm - neither hot nor cold - I am about to spit you out of my mouth. (Apocalypse 3: 14-16)
In a Zen story: A fervent Buddhist lady made every effort to love others. But every time she went to the market, a merchant made indecent proposals to her.
One rainy morning, when the man bothered her once again, she lost control and hit him on the face with her umbrella. That same afternoon, she sought out a monk and told him what had happened.
"I am ashamed," she said. "I couldn't control my hate."
"You did wrong to hate him," answered the monk. "The next time he says something, fill your heart with goodness. And hit him again with your umbrella, because that's the only language he knows."
www.warriorofthelight.com
www.paulocoelhoblog.com