To accumulate good fortune, one doesn’t necessarily need to perform grand acts of kindness. Simply practicing four good deeds daily is enough to make one a blessed person.
4 acts of kindness
1. Kind words
Kind words mean treating those around you with gentle words. Many people’s misdeeds aren’t grave, but as the ancients said: “Harsh words bring a chill in summer.” A casual, unkind remark can be more resented than a slap. For example, your wife buys a dress, and you immediately criticize her tastelessness. A joyful occasion can turn awkward in an instant. It might even cause a big argument. Is that necessary?
So how do you practice kind words? It’s pretty easy. For example, when you see a colleague in the morning, you can say: “You look great.” When you get home and see your parents busy in the kitchen, smile and say: “Thank you for your hard work.” A simple, kind, and friendly word can instantly bridge the gap and convey warmth. That’s kind words.
2. Kind deeds
These are small acts of kindness. For example, promptly adding rice to your parents’ meals at mealtimes, buying a gift for your child when you’re on a business trip, or making a cup of coffee for a colleague at work. These small things in daily life may seem insignificant, but they are heartwarming and bring emotional value in any situation.
3. Kind countenance
That is, a pleasant and gentle face. In The Analects of Confucius, Zixia once asked Confucius what the most challenging thing about being filial to one’s parents was. Confucius answered: “It is difficult to maintain a pleasant countenance.” Don’t think that helping your parents with chores or cooking is filial piety. Confucius said that the most extraordinary filial piety is always to maintain a kind and gentle countenance in front of your parents.
We can reflect on how we often become impatient with our parents, even showing them a sour face. Such behavior is what hurts the elderly the most. The same principle applies to how we treat our husbands, wives, and friends. Conflicts between people often stem from a lack of a kind face.
Two strangers arguing may be due to one person’s unfriendly gaze. The same applies to couples. If someone always has a sour face, no one will be in a good mood. Therefore, maintaining a kind countenance means controlling your emotions and not bringing destructive emotions to those around you, especially your closest relatives.
4. Emptiness
Learn to empty your mind. Don’t always calculate your efforts and gains, and don’t let stress and worry accumulate in your heart. For example, if you feel it’s right to help someone, do it regardless of whether they will repay you in the future.
Don’t always think about whether you will gain anything from this giving; otherwise, it will become a transaction. “I helped you today, you have to repay me tomorrow.” This turns a good deed into a utilitarian act.
For example, you try your best to be kind in your words, deeds, and countenance toward your family, but one day you accumulate a lot of negative emotions, bring them home, and can’t control them from exploding. Then the good you’ve done will be in vain. Therefore, cultivate emptiness and learn to let go of your burdens.
If a person performs four good deeds every day, they are naturally a blessed person.
Translated by Patty Zhang and edited by Amanda
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