Tolerance and acceptance are big words - big catch phrases of late. I've mentioned them many times. It's hard not to.
These concepts have always been used as a way for us all to allow people to be themselves.
However, I read this quote from Sri Sri Ravi Shankar last night, that utterly changed my view on these words.
(from Celebrating Silence)
Neither accept people as they are nor tolerate them.
Many people think tolerance is a virtue but tolerance is actually a negative term. If you like something, you do not have to tolerate it. Tolerance indicates a deep sense of dislike that can at any time turn into hatred. It indicated a sense of separateness, small mindedness, a limitation of consciousness.
When you tolerate, it is a temporary state. Tolerance is a potential volcano. If you are tolerating, it means you are just holding on. Acceptance is also negative. You accept that which is not lovable. Tolerance and acceptance come with judgement and separation.
Questions: "But aren't we supposed to accept people as they are?"
If you do not love them, then you have to accept them. I tell you, do not accept people as they are. Just love them as they are."
---
This is what we are called to do. This is what our nature desires for us. This is what society desperately is waiting for. Of course, it isn't the easy option. It is the path of work, of constant struggle.
And of real enlightenment.
These concepts have always been used as a way for us all to allow people to be themselves.
However, I read this quote from Sri Sri Ravi Shankar last night, that utterly changed my view on these words.
(from Celebrating Silence)
Neither accept people as they are nor tolerate them.
Many people think tolerance is a virtue but tolerance is actually a negative term. If you like something, you do not have to tolerate it. Tolerance indicates a deep sense of dislike that can at any time turn into hatred. It indicated a sense of separateness, small mindedness, a limitation of consciousness.
When you tolerate, it is a temporary state. Tolerance is a potential volcano. If you are tolerating, it means you are just holding on. Acceptance is also negative. You accept that which is not lovable. Tolerance and acceptance come with judgement and separation.
Questions: "But aren't we supposed to accept people as they are?"
If you do not love them, then you have to accept them. I tell you, do not accept people as they are. Just love them as they are."
---
This is what we are called to do. This is what our nature desires for us. This is what society desperately is waiting for. Of course, it isn't the easy option. It is the path of work, of constant struggle.
And of real enlightenment.
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