Patience is among Buddhism’s six paramitas, qualities associated with the actions of bodhisattvas. Patience is the antidote to anger and violence, but its meaning goes far beyond that. This enlightened virtue is one we can cultivate right now to benefit ourselves and all others.
 
When we practise patience we are participating in the activities of an awakened one. Doing so transforms our hardships, ourselves and our world.
 
Patience is informed by wisdom and compassion, mindfulness or concentration. Patience allows us to be generous with our time, choose compassion over anger, and stick to our meditation practice even when it’s challenging.
In Shantideva’s Bodhicaryavatara, the Guide to the Bodhisattva’s Way of Life, patience is described as being of three types. These are translated in various ways, but generally refer to patience with others, with the truth of suffering, and with reality itself.
Tolerant patience is not reacting to our triggers. An antidote to anger, tolerant patience might look like leaving the room, turning the other cheek, or responding with compassion versus ill will. It is the practice of patience in relation to the actions of others.
Enduring patience or insightful patience is accepting that sometimes things are just difficult. If there’s something we can do about it, we can patiently take the next right action. If there’s nothing we can do about it, we can choose to let it go.
Forgiving patience is patience with ourselves, specifically as it relates to our progress along a spiritual path. Meditating daily, remaining vigilant regarding our own behaviour, practising wisdom and compassion in all circumstances, none of this is easy. There will be times when all is going well and we feel our lives are improving and times when everything seems to fall apart. Forgetting and remembering is part of the process, and so we can be patient with that too.
Practising patience is transformative because in the least, it helps us shift our habitual reactivity into intentional responsiveness. Patience allows us to act more appropriately in any given situation, thereby perpetuating less harm. In the process, it transforms our challenges into opportunities for growth.
Each time we choose patience we take part in the radical act of cycle-breaking. Learning how to practise patience with others and how to be patient with yourself is nothing short of world-changing.

Lunch is included in the cost.
Please register to help with catering purposes.
If you have further questions, please feel free to email spc@tarainstitute.org.au