命 (mìng)

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命 (mìng) — Fate, Life, Order

"The world is like a large furnace; fate is like the blazing fire. All living things are like the bronze being refined within.” —Famous line of Chinese poetry.

In oracle bone inscriptions, the word 命 (mìng) comprises two parts: the top half represents a mouth facing downwards, and the bottom half symbolizes a kneeling person. In other words, when someone of higher status speaks to someone of lower status, the latter person must respectfully listen.

In life we may encounter unfortunate events that go against our wishes. Ancient Chinese culture held that one's fate is preordained. 

This is why the bottom half of 命 is a person in a kneeling position—it represents the insignificance of man and the dignity of the Creator. However, this refers to more than man's pitiful state. 

The Analects of Confucius contain this saying: 

"When hardships occur, do not blame the fate bestowed upon you by God, and do not resent the people around you. Although you are in an unfavorable situation, you can still strive to elevate your life's realm. What divine beings look at is your heart."

In Chinese culture, the kneeling posture symbolizes more than just inferiority; it also stands for humility and introspection. 

Facing fate, one can choose to be helpless, or valiant.''

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the strength of compassion

''Conflict is an unavoidable part of our lives because our beliefs and modes of being often contrast powerfully with those of our loved ones, acquaintances, and associates.
Yet for all the grief disagreements can cause, we can learn much from them.

The manner in which we handle ourselves when confronted with anger or argument demonstrates our overall level of patience and the quality of our energetic states.

To resolve conflict, no matter how exasperating the disagreement at hand, we should approach our adversary with an open heart laden with compassion.

Judgments and blame must be cast aside and replaced with mutual respect.

Conflict is frequently motivated by unspoken needs that are masked by confrontational attitudes or aggressive behavior.

When we come at conflict with love and acceptance in our hearts, we empower ourselves to discover a means to attaining collective resolution.

The key to finding the wisdom concealed in conflict is to ask yourself why you clash with a particular person or situation.

Your inner self or the universe may be trying to point you to a specific life lesson, so try to keep your ears and eyes open.

Once you have explored the internal and external roots of your disagreement, make a conscious effort to release any anger or resentment you feel.

As you do so, the energy between you and your adversary with change perceptibly, even if they are still operating from a more limited energy state.

Consider that each of you likely has compelling reasons for thinking and feeling as you do, and accept that you have no power to change your adversary’s mind.

This can help you approach your disagreement rationally, with a steady voice and a willingness to compromise. If you listen thoughtfully and with an empathetic ear during conflict, you can transform clashes into opportunities to compromise.

Examine your thoughts and feelings carefully. You may discover stubbornness within yourself that is causing resistance or that you are unwittingly feeding yourself negative messages about your adversary.

As your part in disagreements becomes gradually more clear, each new conflict becomes another chance to further hone your empathy, compassion, and tolerance. ''

by Madisyn Taylor