Patience: The Strength to Surpass All Reactions

Have you ever been insulted, misunderstood, or oppressed by others, leaving you to endure in silence? You may have thought that was patience, but perhaps it was weakness. So, what is true patience? Today, let us listen to the teachings of Venerable Thích Chân Quang from the lecture “Ethical Psychology” to better understand this practice.

**What is Patience? It is Not Just Silence**

When being scolded by others, many people think they should just bear it and say nothing, believing that to be patience. However, Venerable Chân Quang emphasizes that patience is not an outer silence without something profound within. If inside there is still anger and resentment, that is not yet true patience.

“Patience is the endurance of all things with a mind of forgiveness, without harboring feelings of anger or hatred in one's heart.”

Patience differs from being calm and from being cunning. A calm person may not display anger, but they may not have forgiven. A cunning person may smile and say nothing, yet secretly seek revenge. Only when the mind is completely letting go, altruistic, and free from resentment do we possess true patience.

**The Story of Zen Master Hakuin: An Exemplary Mirror of Patience**

In the history of Zen Buddhism, there is a very famous story about Zen Master Hakuin. He practiced within the Rinzai lineage, and after achieving enlightenment, he withdrew to live a simple life in a cattle-herding village. One day, a young woman in the village became pregnant. Pressured by her parents, she falsely named the Zen Master as the father. The villagers were furious, cursing and shunning him. He simply smiled and said, “Is that so?” When the baby was born, the girl’s parents gave the child to him. He endured great hardship begging for milk from neighbors and bore much humiliation, yet he silently cared for the child. Years later, the woman, unable to hide her guilt, confessed that the real father was a fisherman. The villagers, overcome with regret, came to apologize. He smiled gently again, saying, “Is that so?” and returned the child. Venerable Chân Quang affirmed:

“The image of him is an extremely exemplary mirror of patience when one’s honor is completely slandered, yet he remained utterly calm and unperturbed, his heart without sadness or shock.”

We often cling to the respect of others, but Zen Master Hakuin transcended all this, demonstrating that patience is an inner strength that nothing can shake.

**Patience is Not Weakness**

Many people mistakenly believe that patience is weakness. Venerable Chân Quang explains clearly:

“The patient person’s mind is at peace; they do not react, do not get angry, do not feel sad. Whereas the weak person feels sadness and suffering but dares not do anything.”

The weak person is someone who, when oppressed, does not dare to resist out of fear and a lack of fortitude. They feel pain and anger, but these are suppressed. In contrast, the truly patient person has a genuinely peaceful mind, undisturbed and free from resentment. This is an extraordinary strength. Conquering a thousand enemies is not equal to conquering oneself, and patience is the greatest victory of all.

**The Root of Weakness and the Power of Patience**

Why are some people easily offended and prone to weakness or depression? Venerable Chân Quang points out that this stems from selfishness, pride, and a restless mind. When we think only of ourselves, we become fragile and vulnerable. Conversely, when we learn to live altruistically and care for others, our minds become stronger and more peaceful:

“Selfishness makes our minds afflicted and weak. Whereas the altruistic person makes their mind more peaceful and stronger.”

Therefore, to cultivate patience, we first need to transform ourselves: reduce selfishness and pride, and practice meditative concentration so our minds are no longer agitated. This is a meaningful journey of practice.

**Patience in Daily Life**

In life, we face much suffering: poverty, illness, the unhappiness of loved ones, and being treated poorly by others… During such times, remember the teaching:

“Amidst suffering, one can still find joy. To find joy even within suffering is the way of life for a disciple of the Buddha.”

Patience is not passive endurance, but actively finding joy in difficult circumstances, learning to live serenely with the karmic fruits of our actions, and continuing to do good deeds, study the teachings, bow to the Buddha, and practice meditation. This is how we can dissolve karmic obstacles and not create new ones.

In conclusion, patience is a noble virtue that every Buddhist should cultivate. It is not weakness, but an inner strength that transcends all reactions. Whenever you are insulted, misunderstood, or face adversity, ask yourself: can I remain peaceful, forgive, and let go? Begin with the smallest things in daily life, and your mind will grow ever stronger and more serene.