By the Kan Zhong Guo staff
Chinese character De
In Daoism, Virtue 德 or “De” refers to inborn quality, or the true nature of a human being.
Laozi said that only by being true to oneself can one return to their original, true nature:
Ever true and unswerving,
Become as a little child once more,
Ever true and unwavering,
Return to the infinite,
Ever true and resourceful,
Return to the state of Nature
What are the benefits of cultivating Virtue?
Laozi explains:
Cultivate Virtue in yourself, and Virtue will be real.
Cultivate it in the family, and Virtue will abound.
Cultivate it in the village, and Virtue will grow.
Cultivate it in the nation, and Virtue will be abundant.
Cultivate it in the universe, and Virtue will be everywhere.
What is “Primal Virtue”?
Laozi describes Primal Virtue as follows:
Bearing, yet not possessing,
Working, yet not taking credit,
Leading, yet not dominating,
This is the Primal Virtue
Click here to hear the Chinese pronunciation of the word Virtue or De.
See animated image below to learn how to write the character, De 德.
