"This Week"
by the
Bahrain Meditation Centre

4^th March, 2006

Tolerance

Tolerance, patience, acceptance are virtues from the same root, that of humility. As we embark on a spiritual path it is expected that we will automatically become peaceful within and so reflect on these virtues. Our reality opens us up to discover the true meaning of the virtue of tolerance as life gives us many opportunities to practice!

As we think of tolerance, we often quickly recall having to tolerate someone's behavior and feel a sense of pride and accomplishment that we did… but was that a "healthy" tolerance? Tolerance is not merely about "putting up" with, though not being confrontational is indeed good, but how do you feel when someone "tolerates" you? If this is how we view and use tolerance, know that this level of tolerance is not based in humility but rather in anger or frustration. And so, we begin our journey into understanding the virtue of tolerance.

Imbedded in tolerance is an understanding and LOVE. When we work with our inner compassion to understand a person or a situation, we learn to identify the "why" of their behavior or the situation, and then we are able to "tolerate" from a place of love… and not anger.

To tolerate ultimately is to focus on a solution. However, the first step is acceptance. As we understand, acceptance takes a tremendous amount of self love and inner wisdom. In whatever circumstance confronted by a person or situation, when we stand free from blame, not wanting anything from them, but we stand firm on our inner strength, we don't "put up" with, but we face, identify appropriate responses, and we accept one of the alternatives and move forward to implement in a positive manner.

This week as you continue to deepen your spiritual understanding ask yourself "why am I tolerating" this situation or this person, and further, "is my tolerance coming from a place of love or anger?"

Given tolerance is rooted in humility then we also need to add to the equation forgiveness. Our prophet souls are once again wonderful examples of these qualities. For example let us recall the story of Christ in his last days. His actions were founded in pure love and faith. Not only did he accept their judgment but he asked God to forgive them, as "they know not what they do."

Om Shanti
(I am a peaceful soul)

 Tel: +973-17-712 545, meditate@batelco.com.bh, www.bahrainmeditationcentre.org
Bahrain Meditation Centre is administered by B.K.W.S.U. (visit: www.bkwsu.org.uk)