What is the Threefold Union Forming Virtue in Taoism? 什么是三合成德
Paul PengWhat is the Threefold Union Forming Virtue in Taoism?
The phrase comes from The Lingbao Scripture:
“The Dao: the union of the three accomplishes virtue.
Without the completion of the three, all affairs fail.
The three are the Dao, virtue, and benevolence.
Benevolence is the first;
practicing meritorious deeds is the second;
the fulfillment of virtue to attain the Dao is the third.
When these three are united, one attains the Dao.
What is the Threefold Union Forming Virtue in Taoism?
practicing meritorious deeds is the second;
If one only performs meritorious works but does not understand the Dao, one does not attain the Dao.
If one only understands the Dao but has no merit or virtue, one does not attain the Dao.
If one has only the Dao and virtue but lacks benevolence, the ultimate principle is obscured and returns to nothingness.”
