The arithmetic of mercy

 

At the feet of their elders,

Devotees learn that

They should be more merciful, yet

 

Mercy is not a trait to be acquired;

Nor a skill to be developed.

 

Mercy is compassion, is Charity; and

Being merciful is man's birthright,

Part of his nature,

Inborn, but obscured by

The conditions and situations –

The dispositions – of his life – his Self.

 

Mercy is compassion, is Charity;

Being merciful is loving without Self, without “other.”

There is no lack of mercy but for

A superabundance of Self.

 

Mercy is increased

Not by addition, but by subtraction.

 

To be more merciful, be less Self-ish.