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The first two of the perfections, generosity and ethical discipline, are discussed earlier in chapters 1 to 5. From chapter 6 onward, Śāntideva devotes each of the next four chapters (from chapter 6 to chapter 9) to how to train in the remaining four perfections of patience, diligence, meditative absorption, and wisdom. | The first two of the perfections, generosity and ethical discipline, are discussed earlier in chapters 1 to 5. From chapter 6 onward, Śāntideva devotes each of the next four chapters (from chapter 6 to chapter 9) to how to train in the remaining four perfections of patience, diligence, meditative absorption, and wisdom. | ||
Chapter 6 is devoted to the perfection of patience (''kṣānti pāramitā'') and the identification and methods of overcoming the direct antagonist of patience, anger. The reason that Śāntideva devotes such a long chapter to overcoming anger is that it is the mental factor that most clearly | Chapter 6 is devoted to the perfection of patience (''kṣānti pāramitā'') and the identification and methods of overcoming the direct antagonist of patience, anger. The reason that Śāntideva devotes such a long chapter to overcoming anger is that it is the mental factor that most clearly prevents us from developing the mind of enlightenment, bodhicitta. If we have angry thoughts toward others running through our minds, then how will we be able to develop the wish to attain the highest state of perfection in order to benefit all beings? This is impossible. Therefore, Śāntideva stresses the vital importance of the cultivation of patience. | ||
As Śāntideva clearly puts it in one of the opening verses, there is no mental state worse than anger, and there is no greater positive practice than that of developing patience in the face of challenging circumstances. | As Śāntideva clearly puts it in one of the opening verses, there is no mental state worse than anger, and there is no greater positive practice than that of developing patience in the face of challenging circumstances. | ||
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