RECIPROCITY

Hands grasp, but also give.

Mouth tastes, but also speaks.

Nose breathes, but also smells.

Eyes see, but also show.

Ears hear, but also balance.

The hands teach us not to be selfish.

The mouth teaches us to give thanks in word and song.

The nose teaches us to learn from our environment.

The eyes teach us to show compassion and sincerity.

All parts of our bodies give and receive. They function on a

principle of reciprocity inherent in their very character. If our senses are so noble, shouldn't we be as well?

The eyes of a dedicated person show an inner fortitude and charisma that the eyes of the ordinary do not. Scientifically, we know that an eye is an eye, a mere organ, yet experientially we know that the eyes are virtual windows to the soul. For us to achieve similar depth of character, we must live according to the inherent nobility of our natures. Each one of our senses is not simply an information-gathering faculty but is a channel of expression as well.

From: Tao Meditations

Deng Ming-Dao