The conditions in the world now require us to live with great patience. Patience, kshanti, is regarded as one of the paramitas, the practices of enlightened beings, facing conditions with a clear eye, open mind and warm heart. Without patience, our suffering is tenfold. As we concentrate on what is in front of us we don’t have to bring unnecessary tension, a form of aversion, into our approach. Instead, we may respond as needed, relating appropriately to whatever is coming up, allowing enough time and attention. With patience we enjoy the release from anxiety and dissatisfaction that comes with insisting on our agendas first.
Even if you have a lot to do, bringing the practice of patience to it seems in some magical way to allow the tasks to flow more easily and completely. Try it. Concentrating on all the ways that daily conditions call us to practice, this paramita can transform what seems inherently stressful into a vital lesson about the perfection of each dharma moment, in the completeness of each dharma moment.
