Predilection

Those who follow Tao do so

From their own predilection.

There are no promises,

Yet the rewards are immeasurable.

Of all the spiritual traditions, following Tao is among the least popular. Its adherents are poor and veiled with humility. In comparison, many traditions offer heaven, forgiveness, comfort, ecstasy, belonging, power, and wealth. Tao offers only  three things: sound health, a way through the bewilderment of life, and liberation  from the fear of death.

That is why there are so few followers of Tao. There is no glamor, there is no  congregation, there is no ranking. You are either in the state of Tao, or you are  temporarily out of it. When you die, you die.

You have to be tough to follow Tao. If you can avoid being discouraged by  poverty, isolation, and obscurity, you will find an unshakable devotion that will last  your entire life, and rewards will come in slow and subtle ways. You may not be  suddenly rich and influential, but you will discover, to your great delight, that there  is a secret source of sustenance. Once you taste that, all your doubts will fade, and  both poverty and loneliness will be easier to bear.