Tolerance is the ability to remain unaffected when things do not go our way. It is the ability to accept differences and stay open and accepting. It is the ability to be able to approach an enemy with feelings of mercy and good wishes in our heart, devoid of blame or accusations. It is the ability to resolve any inner conflict with correct understanding—in short, the ability to stay loving, no matter what.
If we think we are using the power of tolerance because we are putting up with someone’s personality traits, we are mistaken. That is not tolerance. They have already affected our attitude and state of mind. Tolerance is an act of love and acceptance, not of ‘putting up with’ someone or something.
There is a very beautiful symbol of tolerance in our world. It is that of the mother. What will a mother not tolerate for her child? This power, of the mother, to tolerate, is born from a deep inner space of love. A mother does not think of her own needs, she will do whatever she can to keep the child safe, protected and well. The more you are filled with love, the more the power of tolerance is at your disposal.
There are three qualities which help to keep this kind of love, or rather, the ability to be loving, alive: Being benevolent, patient and content. If the first thoughts of the morning as we waken are of love and good wishes for the world and not of worry and anxiety, then this sets the direction of our day, and gives us a greater chance of having tolerance for whatever comes along in the day to come.
To have benevolent feelings is like the petrol for the power of tolerance. With a state of mind and attitude of bringing benefit and having good wishes we can learn how to make big things small. To know if a decision is a right one or not, we need only check, will this decision bring benefit? If there is benefit, then it will be possible to use the power of tolerance. Things that are not beneficial are to be let go of.
Patience is required when using the power of tolerance. Speed is not always a good thing. If we lose the power to slow down, we lose objectivity. We need to remain content and deeply understand the world of differences. See further than the outward cover of a person. Each one is a world unto themselves. Find ways to accept others as they are and take an interest in their story, then we can appreciate the uniqueness of each one and the value of the role they play. It is important to use what comes into our lives as teachers. They have come to teach us the power of tolerance and the power to face.
The power of tolerance can be kept alive each day with good wishes and loving feelings.
Then we can become like an immense and mighty tree; no matter what is directed at it, stones of anger or hatred and ignorance, the tree just keeps showering fruit and blessings and offering shade to all.
Gopi Patel is a spiritual educator and senior Rajyogi meditator with the Brahma Kumaris, specialising in spiritual pragmatism in all areas of life.