Chapter 8.1: The Highest Good is Like Water

 

The highest good is like water.  

Water is good because it excels in benefitting all life and doesn’t contend.  

It goes places the masses despise.  Thus it is nigh unto the Way. 

The greatest good, the highest excellence is like water.  Water goes where it is drawn.  It doesn’t contend or compete to go somewhere “better” and doesn’t avoid going places where it is needed – regardless of what the masses think.  It is immune to public opinion.  It is free of the cultural constructs, relative reality, and the constant comparisons of people.  It doesn't participate in the despicable and ugly social stereotypes of what is "best" and who is "worthy."  Water is impartial and doesn’t feel superior.  It doesn't compete or contend.  Like heaven and earth, water is selfless, having no personal agendas or its own self-interest.  It benefits all living things.  Nothing is beneath it.  Wherever it flows, it brings life, growth, healing, and renewal.  

If we want to achieve great goodness, we can also choose to emulate the virtues of water and go where we’re needed the most; go places most people won’t go and do things to serve others that most people wouldn’t do.  We can help the helpless, empower the powerless, listen to the unheard, give voice to the voiceless, see the unseen, and acknowledge the invisible.  We can set our own agendas and ideas aside and advocate for what others’ need. ~ DCB

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