Thoughts On Virtue

"Virtue," is sometimes equated with chastity in western morality, but it can also be defined as a beneficial quality or power, a commendable quality or trait (merit), or the capacity to act (potency). I've been told that virtue is one of the most important concepts of Confucianism, where it can be understood as benevolence, kindheartedness, and generosity. In Buddhism, benevolence (helpful conduct), kind speech, generosity (selfless giving) and cooperation (sympathy) are known as the Four Exemplary Acts of a Bodhisattva. So merging Mahayana Buddhism with Confucianism, it can be said that the Bodhisattva manifests virtue.

I've also heard it said that an enlightened person is one who practices selflessness. Generosity and benevolence can certainly be thought of as selfless acts, as can cooperation and kind speech, so we can more of less equate virtue and selflessness.

Zen Master Dogen said that there are three steps to the manifestation of what I'm calling selfless virtue. First, a person practices the Way. If this practice is sincere and whole-hearted, without expectation or desire for fame, selfless virtue is naturally manifested.

When selfless virtue is naturally manifested, people perceive its outward appearance (the Four Exemplary Acts) and are drawn to the person practicing the Way.

Lastly, people who come to that person learn the Way and practice in the same sincere and whole-hearted manner. That, Dogen says, completes the manifestation of selfless virtue.