Mercy and Love that never run dry, no matter how much is drawn from them.

 These words regarding compassion are truly profound, aren’t they?


In the *Hagakure*, it is written:


"Lord Tsunetomo emphasized that one should deeply contemplate the fact that compassion is an inexhaustible wellspring—no matter how much you draw from it, it never runs dry."


"Courage and wisdom that arise from a heart of compassion are the genuine article." (*Hagakure*)


"Because one acts from a heart of compassion, one’s actions are infinitely strong and righteous." (*Hagakure*)


No matter how many times I hear these words, they remain deeply meaningful.

Why is it that when something stems from compassion, it becomes inexhaustible, authentic, powerful, and right?


Mercy is, in essence, the Buddha himself; when compassion is at work, it is the Buddha acting through that person. In other words, the workings of mercy are the workings of the Buddha—which is why they are genuine, infinitely strong, and righteous. Moreover, they are inexhaustible—that is to say, infinite.


Love is, in essence, God himself; when love is at work, it is God acting through that person. In other words, the workings of love are the workings of God—which is why they are genuine, infinitely strong, and righteous. Moreover, they are inexhaustible—that is to say, infinite.


I have simply swapped "mercy" for "love"—feel free to use whichever resonates with you.


Guided by love and mercy.


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