Tolerance. What is tolerance? “Fair, objective and permissive attitude toward those whose beliefs are different than ours. Patience. Endurance. Resilience.” This what the dictionary teaches.
I think acceptance is the precursor to the great virtue of tolerance. Two thoughts come to mind. 1) A Zen teacher advised his student to grant your cow a vast pasture. To me, it means giving my mind a wide berth, cutting slack, and accepting the “what is.” The Buddha shortened the phrase to “Just Is.” 2) I learned a beautiful Japanese phrase from a client: Shikata ga ni. It is translated “It cannot be helped.” American usage is “it is what it is.” I prefer Shikata ga ni. In reality, so much cannot be helped…
It’s important to know that acceptance is not defeat. In fact, for our emotional well-being, acceptance is quite the opposite. It’s a victory! The Serenity Prayer shows up so often. I see keys to happiness all around me. The practice of acceptance which leads to tolerance is the challenge. Acting upon the reminders is a daily intention. Then I can accept that I do not meet that intention.
I wonder if tolerance is different for introverts and extroverts? I know I need to work for acceptance of my own challenges going unmet. Sometimes I am far more generous in accepting others’ short-comings. Not my own. Do extroverts have the bigger challenge in accepting others? Or their own falling short of the goals? I don’t know.
Currently, my awareness of the Four Buddhist Virtues provides timely reminders. They are loving-kindness or benevolence, compassion, empathic joy, and equanimity. Often the Four Near Enemies come charging in to wreak havoc. They are indifference, pity, envy, and jealousy.
Guidelines. We have so many guidelines scattered throughout our environment, our consciousness, and our lives every day. May we accept ourselves and others in our quest for tolerance.
Peace
Gabrielle
2/15/2019