Difference between revisions of "Patience"
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| − | + | [[Patience]]. A lack of [[patience]] is a [[manifestation]] of living in a [[moment]] other than the one we are just now in. When we are {{Wiki|patient}}, we are in the [[moment]] wholly and completely, with no [[thought]] toward the next place we must get to. [[Patience]] is the strength underneath the [[letting go]] of our [[thoughts]] for the [[truth]] of this [[moment]]. When we are {{Wiki|patient}}, others are [[empowered]] to be themselves without the force of our needs bending them this way or that. In this, we truly see our interconnectedness. | |
| − | |||
| − | + | adapted from a talk by [[Gil Fronsdal]], July 1st, 2003 | |
| − | + | In our busy [[lives]], we may easily overlook the value of [[patience]] in our quest for [[accomplishment]], efficiency and fulfillment. When we [[recognize]] that clear [[seeing]], [[peace]], [[Compassion]] and [[Love]] are quite different from, even incompatible with, compulsive {{Wiki|behavior}} and reactions, the value of [[patience]] becomes apparent. [[Patience]] entails choosing not to respond reactively, allowing other possibilities to arise; it provides tremendous support for [[Mindfulness]] practice. Gentle perseverance, [[patience]] under insult, and [[acceptance]] of [[Truth]] are three [[traditional]] facets of [[patience]] that give strength to [[Mindfulness]]. | |
| − | + | The [[patience]] of perseverance keeps us from succumbing to [[Doubt]], discouragement and {{Wiki|fear}}. In [[Buddhist practice]], perseverance enables us to maintain our steady [[effort]]. When progress in practice does not meet our expectations, we can easily become discouraged. For example, practice often gives rise to [[pleasant]] states; if we assume we can sustain them at will, the [[reality]] of change can be quite [[unpleasant]]. Or, we may expect practice to develop linearly, with increasing [[Concentration]] and [[peace]], or steadily {{Wiki|decreasing}} [[Suffering]]. A period of ease and [[calm]] in practice might well provide the inner strength, [[Trust]] and sensitivity to confront long-ignored difficulties. It is much easier to sustain practice over the long term if we realize that it doesn’t always unfold in an even, expected way. | |
| − | Patience under insult means not succumbing to | + | Perseverance can also be important when [[spiritual]] practice does meet our expectations. When things are going well, it is all too easy to become complacent. In the presence of [[Happiness]], [[calm]] or ease, we might forget to maintain a steady [[dedication]] to practice. |
| + | |||
| + | A gentle perseverance allows us to practice unhindered by both the difficulties and rewards we [[experience]]. It is key to letting [[Mindfulness]] practice sink deep into the marrow of our {{Wiki|bones}}. | ||
| + | |||
| + | [[Patience]] under insult means not succumbing to [[Anger]], [[aggression]] or {{Wiki|despair}} when threatened. Instead, it means being [[mindful]] of our reactions and [[emotional]] responses, and perhaps finding wiser ways to respond. | ||
[[File:235.JPG|thumb|250px|]] | [[File:235.JPG|thumb|250px|]] | ||
| − | Pausing, even for a moment, before reacting to a difficult situation is a powerful | + | Pausing, even for a [[moment]], before reacting to a difficult situation is a powerful [[Form]] of [[patience]]. A pause may give us a better [[understanding]] of the situation and our {{Wiki|intentions}} within it. Sometimes, a pause allows for something wonderful and unexpected to arise, something that would not have happened had we rushed in to comment, react, or control. |
| − | Sometimes people find patience by changing their point of reference for understanding a challenging situation. Our understanding is often self-centered; other perspectives may be equally, if not more, appropriate. During the civil rights movement, for example, many people endured a tremendous amount of physical, mental, and emotional insult by understanding its role in a larger context than their | + | Sometimes [[people]] find [[patience]] by changing their point of reference for [[understanding]] a challenging situation. Our [[understanding]] is often [[self-centered]]; other perspectives may be equally, if not more, appropriate. During the civil rights {{Wiki|movement}}, for example, many [[people]] endured a tremendous amount of [[physical]], [[mental]], and [[emotional]] insult by [[understanding]] its role in a larger context than their |
| − | own individual | + | [[own]] {{Wiki|individual}} [[Suffering]]. Struggling for civil rights gave their [[Suffering]] a {{Wiki|purpose}} that [[transformed]] the whole country. |
| − | The third | + | The third [[Form]] of [[patience]] is [[acceptance]] of [[Truth]]. It is the willingness to see deeply, without resistance, the [[Truth]] of the [[moment]] and the [[Truth]] of the deepest levels of [[reality]]. This includes living in accord with the [[insight]] that at our core there is [[no self]] [[to build]] up, hang onto, or defend. [[Seeing]] the [[luminous]] [[Emptiness]] at the center of all things means that we can begin to let go of [[grasping]] to a self-con-scious and fixed [[idea]] of who we are. This requires a kind of [[patience]], because deep [[spiritual insight]] is an affront to the [[ego]]. Most of us {{Wiki|orient}} our [[lives]] around a limited [[view]] of ourselves; it can be quite frightening to let this [[view]] go. The {{Wiki|patient}} [[acceptance]] of [[Truth]] that allows us to let go is a personal strength developed together with the strengths of [[virtue]], [[discernment]], [[Wisdom]], resolve and [[Loving-kindness]]. |
| − | The ultimate perfection of patience does not come from endurance or a re-evaluation of a situation. Rather it comes from the absence of our habitual, automatic triggers and reactive hooks to the challenges of | + | The [[Wikipedia:Absolute (philosophy)|ultimate]] [[perfection]] of [[patience]] does not come from [[endurance]] or a re-evaluation of a situation. Rather it comes from the absence of our habitual, automatic triggers and reactive hooks to the challenges of [[Life]]. Fully mature [[patience]] is effortless; it is not a doing at all. |
| − | Once an angry man insulted | + | Once an [[angry]] man insulted The [[Buddha]]. The [[Buddha]] simply asked the man if [[people]] ever visited him in his [[home]]. Surprised at the change of topic, the man answered yes. The [[Buddha]] then asked if his visitors ever brought gifts. When the man replied yes again, The [[Buddha]] asked what would happen if he refused to accept the gifts? Who would the gifts belong to then? The man said that, of course, they would still belong to those who brought them. The [[Buddha]] then [[calmly]] and, I [[imagine]], kindly said, “In the same way, since I do not accept your insults, they remain with you.” |
| − | Since the ultimate patience is effortless, perhaps the opposite of impatience is not patience but rather | + | Since the [[Wikipedia:Absolute (philosophy)|ultimate]] [[patience]] is effortless, perhaps the opposite of impatience is not [[patience]] but rather [[Contentment]]. By not chasing after the whims of the [[ego]], we have the chance to discover a deep [[Contentment]] that [[manifests]] in our [[Life]] as great [[patience]].\ |
{{R}} | {{R}} | ||
| + | This material is licensed under the [http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/3.0/ Creative Commons License]. You may make and/or distribute copies, provided that you do so freely without cost, follow the guidelines of the license, and this notice is included with all copies.<br/> | ||
[http://www.insightmeditationcenter.org/books-articles/articles/patience/ www.insightmeditationcenter.org] | [http://www.insightmeditationcenter.org/books-articles/articles/patience/ www.insightmeditationcenter.org] | ||
| + | {{NewSourceBreak}} | ||
| + | <poem> | ||
| + | [[Patience]] is the ability to control our reactions and retain our [[peace]] of [[mind]] in any situation, imperturbable in the face of harm and hardship. It is the practice of exercising [[forbearance]] toward persons, [[objects]], behaviors, or situations that might otherwise disturb our [[peace]]. | ||
| + | |||
| + | [[Patience]] is the [[conscious]] choice to actively [[manifest]] [[forbearance]], and is not [[experienced]] as an oppressive [[duty]] or {{Wiki|obligation}}. | ||
| + | |||
| + | [[Patience]] with Others | ||
| + | |||
| + | When someone treats us (or our relatives and friends) with [[contempt]], addresses us with harsh words, [[slanders]] us behind our back, or [[causes]] us [[pain]]. | ||
| + | When our enemies and those who oppose us (or our relatives and friends) find [[pleasure]] and wellbeing, when they receive honors and rewards, when they are [[offered]] praise, or when [[people]] speak well of them. | ||
| + | When our friends and relatives, especially those whom we have favored by [[thought]], [[word]], and [[deed]], are ungrateful, and repay us with harm. | ||
| + | |||
| + | The [[patience]] of disregarding the harm done to us by others can be cultivated: | ||
| + | |||
| + | By [[seeing]] those who harm us as [[objects]] of [[compassion]]. | ||
| + | By considering how all the harm done to us is the product of our [[own]] [[past karma]]. | ||
| + | By [[realizing]] that it is only with the help of those who harm us that we can gain the [[merit]] of practicing [[patience]]. | ||
| + | |||
| + | [[Patience]] with Ourselves | ||
| + | |||
| + | When we [[manifest]] [[ignorance]] and limitation, fail to attain our goals, give {{Wiki|comfort}} to our enemies, and disappoint ourselves and others. | ||
| + | |||
| + | [[Patience]] with the [[Teaching]] | ||
| + | |||
| + | When the [[Teaching]] is difficult, or extensive, or apparently repetitive; when the [[conditions]] in which the [[Teaching]] is imparted are not optimal; and when the [[Teaching]] elicits {{Wiki|fear}}. | ||
| + | When we see our faults more clearly, fail to make rapid progress on the [[path]], temporarily regress to previous stages of [[attainment]], or cannot abide in the [[View]]. | ||
| + | When the [[Teaching]] challenges our habitual or {{Wiki|conceptual}} [[views]], or when it seems to contradict earlier [[Teaching]], as in the [[gradual progression]] from the [[truth]] of [[dependent origination]], to [[emptiness]] of [[self]] and [[phenomena]], to [[True Self]]. | ||
| + | |||
| + | Three [[reasons]] for accepting [[suffering]] with [[patience]]: | ||
| + | |||
| + | [[Suffering]] can exhaust our [[negative actions]]. | ||
| + | Through [[suffering]] we develop [[renunciation]], [[compassion]], and the wish to adopt [[wholesome actions]] and avoid [[unwholesome]] ones. | ||
| + | [[Suffering]] subdues our [[pride]], takes away the sting of [[envy]], overcomes the strength of [[desire]] and [[attachment]], and leads us on towards [[accomplishment]]. | ||
| + | |||
| + | [[Patience]] can be cultivated by contemplating with {{Wiki|certainty}} the profound teachings: | ||
| + | |||
| + | Considering the [[relative truth]] of [[dependent origination]], we can cultivate [[patience]] by [[realizing]] how the harm-doer and the [[suffering]] itself are dependent on [[causes and conditions]]. | ||
| + | Considering the provisional [[truth]] of [[emptiness]], we can cultivate [[patience]] by {{Wiki|reflecting}} on how the harm that is done to us and the one who is doing the harm are both lacking in any [[true reality]]. | ||
| + | Considering [[the ultimate truth]] of Great Natural [[Perfection]], we can cultivate [[patience]] by [[recognizing]] all [[anger]] to be the expression of clarity, or [[Mirror-like Wisdom]]. | ||
| + | </poem> | ||
| + | {{R}} | ||
| + | [https://greatmiddleway.wordpress.com/2011/07/24/patience-3/ greatmiddleway.wordpress.com] | ||
[[Category:Buddhist Terms]] | [[Category:Buddhist Terms]] | ||
| + | [[Category:The Six Paramitas]] | ||
Latest revision as of 11:44, 15 November 2015
Patience. A lack of patience is a manifestation of living in a moment other than the one we are just now in. When we are patient, we are in the moment wholly and completely, with no thought toward the next place we must get to. Patience is the strength underneath the letting go of our thoughts for the truth of this moment. When we are patient, others are empowered to be themselves without the force of our needs bending them this way or that. In this, we truly see our interconnectedness.
adapted from a talk by Gil Fronsdal, July 1st, 2003
In our busy lives, we may easily overlook the value of patience in our quest for accomplishment, efficiency and fulfillment. When we recognize that clear seeing, peace, Compassion and Love are quite different from, even incompatible with, compulsive behavior and reactions, the value of patience becomes apparent. Patience entails choosing not to respond reactively, allowing other possibilities to arise; it provides tremendous support for Mindfulness practice. Gentle perseverance, patience under insult, and acceptance of Truth are three traditional facets of patience that give strength to Mindfulness.
The patience of perseverance keeps us from succumbing to Doubt, discouragement and fear. In Buddhist practice, perseverance enables us to maintain our steady effort. When progress in practice does not meet our expectations, we can easily become discouraged. For example, practice often gives rise to pleasant states; if we assume we can sustain them at will, the reality of change can be quite unpleasant. Or, we may expect practice to develop linearly, with increasing Concentration and peace, or steadily decreasing Suffering. A period of ease and calm in practice might well provide the inner strength, Trust and sensitivity to confront long-ignored difficulties. It is much easier to sustain practice over the long term if we realize that it doesn’t always unfold in an even, expected way.
Perseverance can also be important when spiritual practice does meet our expectations. When things are going well, it is all too easy to become complacent. In the presence of Happiness, calm or ease, we might forget to maintain a steady dedication to practice.
A gentle perseverance allows us to practice unhindered by both the difficulties and rewards we experience. It is key to letting Mindfulness practice sink deep into the marrow of our bones.
Patience under insult means not succumbing to Anger, aggression or despair when threatened. Instead, it means being mindful of our reactions and emotional responses, and perhaps finding wiser ways to respond.
Pausing, even for a moment, before reacting to a difficult situation is a powerful Form of patience. A pause may give us a better understanding of the situation and our intentions within it. Sometimes, a pause allows for something wonderful and unexpected to arise, something that would not have happened had we rushed in to comment, react, or control.
Sometimes people find patience by changing their point of reference for understanding a challenging situation. Our understanding is often self-centered; other perspectives may be equally, if not more, appropriate. During the civil rights movement, for example, many people endured a tremendous amount of physical, mental, and emotional insult by understanding its role in a larger context than their
own individual Suffering. Struggling for civil rights gave their Suffering a purpose that transformed the whole country.
The third Form of patience is acceptance of Truth. It is the willingness to see deeply, without resistance, the Truth of the moment and the Truth of the deepest levels of reality. This includes living in accord with the insight that at our core there is no self to build up, hang onto, or defend. Seeing the luminous Emptiness at the center of all things means that we can begin to let go of grasping to a self-con-scious and fixed idea of who we are. This requires a kind of patience, because deep spiritual insight is an affront to the ego. Most of us orient our lives around a limited view of ourselves; it can be quite frightening to let this view go. The patient acceptance of Truth that allows us to let go is a personal strength developed together with the strengths of virtue, discernment, Wisdom, resolve and Loving-kindness.
The ultimate perfection of patience does not come from endurance or a re-evaluation of a situation. Rather it comes from the absence of our habitual, automatic triggers and reactive hooks to the challenges of Life. Fully mature patience is effortless; it is not a doing at all.
Once an angry man insulted The Buddha. The Buddha simply asked the man if people ever visited him in his home. Surprised at the change of topic, the man answered yes. The Buddha then asked if his visitors ever brought gifts. When the man replied yes again, The Buddha asked what would happen if he refused to accept the gifts? Who would the gifts belong to then? The man said that, of course, they would still belong to those who brought them. The Buddha then calmly and, I imagine, kindly said, “In the same way, since I do not accept your insults, they remain with you.”
Since the ultimate patience is effortless, perhaps the opposite of impatience is not patience but rather Contentment. By not chasing after the whims of the ego, we have the chance to discover a deep Contentment that manifests in our Life as great patience.\
Source
This material is licensed under the Creative Commons License. You may make and/or distribute copies, provided that you do so freely without cost, follow the guidelines of the license, and this notice is included with all copies.
www.insightmeditationcenter.org
Patience is the ability to control our reactions and retain our peace of mind in any situation, imperturbable in the face of harm and hardship. It is the practice of exercising forbearance toward persons, objects, behaviors, or situations that might otherwise disturb our peace.
Patience is the conscious choice to actively manifest forbearance, and is not experienced as an oppressive duty or obligation.
Patience with Others
When someone treats us (or our relatives and friends) with contempt, addresses us with harsh words, slanders us behind our back, or causes us pain.
When our enemies and those who oppose us (or our relatives and friends) find pleasure and wellbeing, when they receive honors and rewards, when they are offered praise, or when people speak well of them.
When our friends and relatives, especially those whom we have favored by thought, word, and deed, are ungrateful, and repay us with harm.
The patience of disregarding the harm done to us by others can be cultivated:
By seeing those who harm us as objects of compassion.
By considering how all the harm done to us is the product of our own past karma.
By realizing that it is only with the help of those who harm us that we can gain the merit of practicing patience.
Patience with Ourselves
When we manifest ignorance and limitation, fail to attain our goals, give comfort to our enemies, and disappoint ourselves and others.
Patience with the Teaching
When the Teaching is difficult, or extensive, or apparently repetitive; when the conditions in which the Teaching is imparted are not optimal; and when the Teaching elicits fear.
When we see our faults more clearly, fail to make rapid progress on the path, temporarily regress to previous stages of attainment, or cannot abide in the View.
When the Teaching challenges our habitual or conceptual views, or when it seems to contradict earlier Teaching, as in the gradual progression from the truth of dependent origination, to emptiness of self and phenomena, to True Self.
Three reasons for accepting suffering with patience:
Suffering can exhaust our negative actions.
Through suffering we develop renunciation, compassion, and the wish to adopt wholesome actions and avoid unwholesome ones.
Suffering subdues our pride, takes away the sting of envy, overcomes the strength of desire and attachment, and leads us on towards accomplishment.
Patience can be cultivated by contemplating with certainty the profound teachings:
Considering the relative truth of dependent origination, we can cultivate patience by realizing how the harm-doer and the suffering itself are dependent on causes and conditions.
Considering the provisional truth of emptiness, we can cultivate patience by reflecting on how the harm that is done to us and the one who is doing the harm are both lacking in any true reality.
Considering the ultimate truth of Great Natural Perfection, we can cultivate patience by recognizing all anger to be the expression of clarity, or Mirror-like Wisdom.
