VIRTUES

~ THE PATH OF DHARMA ~

 

Many traditions say "God is Love". Many allude or directly imply that the Image of God is Virtue. In other words, when you see patience, courage, perseverance, truth, etc., you are seeing the Image of God. Or it is said that to follow the path of Virtue is to follow the Laws of Universal Harmony (aka Dharma); and thus when we are true to Virtue we are true to or Higher Self, we reflect the Image of God, we are in line with the flow (aka Tao) of the Universe. This is also represented by the Hindu Deities. Each Deity represents various qualities or Virtues of the One God, Ishwar. {Hinduism is actually a monotheist religion.} Ishwar is the name of the One all encompassing God, the Sum of All Virtues; Ishwar is Love!

 

God encompsses All, and no virtue stands alone. For example, Assertiveness without temperance and compassion will lack virtue, will lack love, will lack God/Dharma/Tao. {In the yoga teacher training we have a greater discussion about this, but my purpose in writing this now is just to share an insight...} Often it is asked, "How do we know if a certain quality or action is a virtue or not?" I think the simple answer is to ask ourself if the intention behind it has any love in it. For example, truth is often spoken with absolutely no love in it at all; perhaps it is primarily spoken to actually harm another. The same with assertiveness. Even love can be harmful without other virtues to harmonize/beautify it. But harmful love is actually not love; and, sadly, many people do not come to realize this until they have undergone much harm. 

 

Swami Kripalu explained that true ' virtues are like a garland. By picking up one flower petal of the garland you pick up the whole garland.'  I believe Love must be the thread that binds all virtue flower petals together. If love is not somewhere in the mix of an intention, then the outcome will be without virtue as well, nor will it reflect the Image of the Divine.     

 

 

 

 

Sincerity

Truthfulness

Acceptance

Humility

Integrity

Will

Discernment

Vigilance

Steadfastness

Order

Endurance

Faith

Determination

Adaptability

Heart

Courage

Inspiration

Devotion

Eloquence

Honor

Wisdom

Zeal

Love

Trust

Obedience

Certitude