The woman in whom Tao
acts without impediment
does not bother with her own interests
and does not despise
others who do.
She does not struggle to make money
and does not make a virtue of poverty.
She goes her way
without relying on others
And does not pride herself
on walking alone.
While she does not follow the crowd,
she won’t complain of those who do.
Rank and reward
make no appeal to her;
Disgrace and shame
do not deter her.
She is not always looking
for right and wrong,
always deciding “Yes” or “No.”
– Thomas Merton