‘The world is full of half-enlightened masters.
‘Overly clever, too “sensitive” to live in the real world, they surround themselves with selfish pleasures and bestow their grandiose teachings upon the unwary.
‘Prematurely publicizing themselves, intent upon reaching some spiritual climax, they constantly sacrifice the truth and deviate from the Tao. What they really offer the world is their own confusion.
‘The true master understands that enlightenment is not the end but the means. Realizing that virtue is her goal, she accepts the long and often arduous cultivation that is necessary to attain it.
‘She doesn’t scheme to become a leader, but quietly shoulders whatever responsibilities fall to her. Unattached to her accomplishments, taking credit for nothing at all, she guides the whole world by guiding the individuals who come to her.’
—Hua Hu Ching
Society usually rewards appearance over substance, but this Taoist passage reminds us true mastery is measured not by public acclaim. Mastery is to be found in the quiet authenticity of a life deeply lived. A life of humility and service, free from the compulsive need to derive our sense of self-worth from others’ approval.
I believe this is what the Gospel of John is getting at too when it mentions those weak of faith who ‘'loved human praise more than praise from God‘ (John 12:43).
May we not fall victim to human praise,
Simeon
Meister Eckhart | On Spiritual Poverty
Freedom begins where self-interest ends. In this video, we dive into Meister Eckhart’s wisdom on being “poor in spirit,” revealing how releasing attachments and desires allows for spiritual transformation. Learn how detachment leads to a richer, more meaningful inner life.