Item 1 in Taoist Three Treasures

Compassion

Respond to others with care rather than cruelty or aggressive self-assertion.

Position
1
Form
Virtue to cultivate
Obligation
Aspirational
Wording status
Editorial paraphrase
Intended audience
Readers and practitioners of philosophical and religious Taoist traditions
Last reviewed
28 June 2026

Names and terminology

Canonical name: Compassion

Original term: Cí

Source wording

Editorial paraphrase: Respond to others with care rather than cruelty or aggressive self-assertion.

Editorial paraphrase

Literal meaning

Respond to others with care rather than cruelty or aggressive self-assertion.

Broader interpretation

Interpretation depends on the framework's historical purpose, intended audience and relationship to its other principles.

Ethical purpose

To shape conduct or character in a way consistent with the wider ethical framework.

Modern application

Modern application requires attention to consent, rights, evidence, foreseeable harm and changing social conditions.

Criticism and difficult cases

Application can become difficult when this principle conflicts with another duty, when harm is indirect, or when ancient social assumptions do not fit modern conditions.

Truth By Reason analysis

Truth By Reason assesses this principle according to evidence, rights, intentions, foreseeable consequences and consistency with the treatment of all affected beings.

Ethical themes

  • Nonviolence
  • Compassion

Sources