With deep inner peace,

And great compassion,

Aspire daily to save the world.

But do not strive to achieve it.

Just do whatever comes naturally.

Because when aspiration is strong

And compassion blossoms,

Whatever comes most naturally,

Is also the right thing to do.

Note: I made a small edit to Tan’s original poem which can be found in the final pages of his book Search Inside Yourself. I omitted the last three lines, feeling that the poem ends more naturally this way.