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The sixth chapter is arranged according to the methods to practice three different kinds of patience: (1) patience in the face of our own suffering, (2) patience in developing certainty in regard to the teachings, and (3) patience in the face of harm. | The sixth chapter is arranged according to the methods to practice three different kinds of patience: (1) patience in the face of our own suffering, (2) patience in developing certainty in regard to the teachings, and (3) patience in the face of harm. | ||
< | <h5>Patience in the face of Our Own Suffering</h5> | ||
Śāntideva points out that once we have taken birth in samsara under the sway of karma and mental afflictions, then all states of existence will be characterized by suffering. The causes for happiness will be few, and therefore he implores us to find ways to prevent our minds from being provoked to anger by difficult circumstances. We need to be resilient in spite of what comes our way. | Śāntideva points out that once we have taken birth in samsara under the sway of karma and mental afflictions, then all states of existence will be characterized by suffering. The causes for happiness will be few, and therefore he implores us to find ways to prevent our minds from being provoked to anger by difficult circumstances. We need to be resilient in spite of what comes our way. | ||
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If we are able to train to withstand smaller injuries and worries, then in the future we will be able to bear much greater difficulty and suffering. | If we are able to train to withstand smaller injuries and worries, then in the future we will be able to bear much greater difficulty and suffering. | ||
< | <h5>Patience in Developing Certainty in regard to the Teachings</h5> | ||
In the next section of the chapter, Śāntideva discusses how to develop patience in relation to the Dharma. In practicing the Dharma, we will have to endure many hardships, and we must learn to have forbearance with these difficulties. Particularly, we may face problems in relation to others getting angry at us, and at this crucial time when we must protect our bodhicitta and implement the teachings, patience is vital. | In the next section of the chapter, Śāntideva discusses how to develop patience in relation to the Dharma. In practicing the Dharma, we will have to endure many hardships, and we must learn to have forbearance with these difficulties. Particularly, we may face problems in relation to others getting angry at us, and at this crucial time when we must protect our bodhicitta and implement the teachings, patience is vital. | ||
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Śāntideva encourages us to see that all things are dependent on their causes and that the solid existence of all things is an illusion. All things are essentially like a mirage. In the case of anger, both the one getting angry and the object of that anger are like apparitions, and because of this there is no valid reason to get angry. | Śāntideva encourages us to see that all things are dependent on their causes and that the solid existence of all things is an illusion. All things are essentially like a mirage. In the case of anger, both the one getting angry and the object of that anger are like apparitions, and because of this there is no valid reason to get angry. | ||
< | <h5>Patience in the face of Harm</h5> | ||
Everyone wants to be happy and to not experience suffering. Unfortunately, this is not usually how life turns out for us. Not knowing the way things are, we engage in actions that either directly or inadvertently bring us suffering. | Everyone wants to be happy and to not experience suffering. Unfortunately, this is not usually how life turns out for us. Not knowing the way things are, we engage in actions that either directly or inadvertently bring us suffering. | ||
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