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Date: 2009-09-20 20:44:01
The Five Virtues

The Teachings of Abraham

Study Group - September, 09

The Five Virtues

 

During recent preparation to confer a master Reiki attunement, I found in my notes the admonition to study the 5 Virtues. When asked the meaning about perfect virtue, the author, Confucius said:

“To be able to practice five things everywhere under heaven constitutes perfect virtue.”
 

When asked what they were, “ 'Gravity, generosity of soul, sincerity, earnestness, and kindness. If you are grave, you will not be treated with disrespect. If you are generous, you will win all. If you are sincere, people will repose trust in you. If you are earnest, you will accomplish much. If you are kind, this will enable you to employ the services of others.’ ”

In the book: “Miracles Through Pranic Healing” by Master Choa Kok Sui, the Five Virtues are discussed. Even though this writing is directed towards healing practitioners it is timeless counsel for every person.

The first virtue is that of loving-kindness and non-injury. MCKS reminds us that people are like plants that need nurturing to grow and bloom. Not only should we do no cruelty in any sense, rather living in a way that nurtures every living thing brings great healing to all.

 

Loving kindness is showing appreciation to others, nurturing our children, parents, loved ones and spouses/mates. Recognizing others’ achievements, both large and small, is helpful. Mentally we can share loving kindness by blessing others. As healers, as we use the virtues of kindness and compassion, balance and healing may come to every level of the person or situation.

The Universal Law of Attraction tells us that that which is like unto itself is drawn. So as we give recognition, appreciation, compassion, and kindness to others, we are creating that very thing for ourselves. By refraining from harsh words of criticism, enviousness and negative qualities we bring ourselves in alignment with the greater creation of good.

A few months ago my husband and I decided to tell one person, every day, “I love you”. We would look them in the eye, and kindly say the words. It worked miracles!

One day we were in a large department store; while I was looking for my bargains, my husband saw an elderly woman sitting in a chair. Nearby was her daughter whom she was waiting for. He struck up a conversation with this lady, and after visiting for several minutes, he looked at her and uttered the words “I love you.” Her eyes teared up and she said: “oh, thank you, that’s so sweet. That’s the most wonderful thing you could say.” Turns out she was terminally ill and felt great love from that kind act.

The second virtue is that of generosity and non-stealing. Generosity means the sharing or giving, of such things as money, food, clothing, or gifts. Emotional giving is to give of love, warmth, caring-ness and compassion.

Master Choa Kok Sui speaks of instances where healing will actually occur before a treatment; upon a generous advanced payment by the patient. The capacity to receive and assimilate healing energy is greatly increased. The opposite also may be true, when underpayment or non-payment may bring slow or no healing at all.

As we discuss and study these five virtues, they not only apply to how we treat others, but how we act toward ourselves. When was the last time you gave yourself credit, or treated yourself gently and lovingly? Do you speak harshly and critically about yourself, to yourself? When you’ve cleaned the house ’from top to bottom’ or worked especially long hours on a project at work, do you give yourself credit? Remember to honor your hard work, whether anyone else does or not!

From the time we’re small, we’re taught to never take anything that doesn’t belong to us. The commandment “Thou shalt not steal” isn’t isolated to just taking ’things’. Stealing credit from others, or merits that are due them is the same thing. Stealing affection in relationships to make you feel more important or being the ’power mate’ of the relationship, is a form of pilfering energy.

Virtue three is that of honesty and non-lying in life. To always tell the truth is another tenet we‘re ingrained with from early childhood. Thomas Jefferson is quoted as saying: “

Honesty is the first chapter in the book of wisdom.”

 

I’ve often heard friends offer ‘advice’ to friends that are cruel and harsh. Even if your girlfriends hair style or new dress isn’t the most becoming for her, is telling her so going to hurt her? Being truthful and being honest are two different aspects. Speaking without malice, and not using frankness as a tool, is another form of honesty. Using caustic, abrasive comments, sarcasm and humor at another’s expense is inappropriate.

On a personal level, are you honest with yourself? Do you treat yourself fairly and with truth? Many of us are on a spiritual path of discovery and at times this trip can be quite intense. I used to ’beat myself up’ mentally about whether I was a good mother or not. As part of my spiritual journey, during a crisis with one of our kids, my therapist asked if I felt I had done the best I could do. Eventually, I did realize that I had done what I felt was right, based upon what I knew then. I was able to free the guilt within me and heal on a very deep level.

Industriousness and non-laziness is the fourth virtue. Once again referring to this virtue in relation to healing, we are admonished to heal each patient thoroughly. I have found in my healing practice that a session is done when it is done. The Universe cannot be rushed or cut short.

 

In the work place do we carry a sense of responsibility to our employer?

Are we loyal to our company, familiar with the products and services our employer or our business provides? The acronym FCB in your PSI is a great tool to remember.

It says: “faith, confidence and belief in your products, services and ideas. And that goes for us all, no matter what profession or job we’re in; stay at home Mom’s this also applies to us as well.

Procrastination can be defined as a form of laziness and non-industriousness. Beside which, being a procrastinator can use up a lot of personal energy. One of the things I dreaded most in the chiropractic clinic was the lengthy and detailed reports of findings often required for auto accidents and personal injury claims. They would sit on my desk for days, as I dreaded completing them all day long. When I finally got it done and in the mail, I’d feel such a relief. Why would I procrastinate so long!

 

The final of the Five Virtues has to do with moderation and non-excessiveness.

By the avoidance of all extreme or excessive behaviors in everything, we will find our life in greater balance physically, mentally and emotionally.

I’ve learned that when I give too much of myself I tire quickly and feel exhausted. As I analyze what is going on, I come to see that I’m not saying no enough, or demanding too much of myself.

And there are the common areas to observe moderation, from eating, excessive drinking, gambling, watching TV, to obsessive activities in all areas of physical life.

Financially it’s important to avoid wasteful spending and excessive use of credit cards to purchase non-essential things. In our country’s current financial situation, many of us are analyzing our spending and what we really need and what is extravagance that we can easily do without.

I recommend this week that as you observe these Five Virtues, incorporate them in your daily life. Each day concentrate on just one thing. For example:

Monday, focus on being kind and loving to everyone. Give others, as well as yourself, a chance to breathe, and savor each moment.

Tuesday, generosity to yourself as well as your family members will shift their usual reactions to you as well. Give yourself a pat-on-the-back today.

Wednesday, pass the time being as honest and non-lying as you can. Resolve today to be candid as well as compassionate with others.

Thursday, make your mind up to give 100% during the day at work. And if you are at home today, give your duties the same industriousness you would wish from others, as well.

Friday, observe moderation and don’t give in to too much worry or fear. As you choose what you want and focus on it, the absence of fear will allow it to come into your life all the sooner.

 

In closing it is apparent that wholesome thought in all things results in wholesome actions. As we live more aligned with the Universal Laws of Attraction, of Deliberate Creation and the Law of Allowance, we see how we will also more closely follow these time-honored instructions of the Great Master Teacher, Confucius.

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