Life is a never-ending flow, with many moments – some happy, some sad, some challenging. To survive in this flow and to face the ups and downs of life, endurance is an indispensable quality. We usually mean endurance as ‘waiting’ or ‘tolerating delay’. But is endurance just the ability to passively wait? No, endurance is not so limited in its meaning. It is an active, dynamic and internal quality.
Life is a never-ending flow, with many moments – some happy, some sad, some challenging. To survive in this flow and to face the ups and downs of life, endurance is an indispensable quality. We usually mean endurance as ‘waiting’ or ‘tolerating delay’. But is endurance just the ability to passively wait? No, endurance is not so limited in its meaning. It is an active, dynamic and internal quality.
Sometimes endurance is also tested. At such times, a person who calmly faces the enemy will definitely achieve a glorious victory. The higher and more effective a person's goal is, the greater his test will be.
The foundation of endurance: understanding
The foundation of endurance is understanding. Understanding means “knowing what to leave behind.” Patience means not only the ability to wait, but also the ability to control one’s anger while waiting.
Patience does not mean weakness. There is no strength in turning a blind eye to injustice; true patience is to face the situation wisely, maintaining peace and discretion. A weak man reacts immediately in anger, while a strong man thinks at the right time and in the right way. This is how he reacts.
Gandhiji's event
This story is from the time when Mahatma Gandhi was in Champaran. One day he had to go to Benia for some work and had to reach there by train. Gandhiji always traveled in third class in trains. He often said, "If thousands of my countrymen travel in third class due to poverty, then why can't I travel in second or first class?"
In such a situation, a passenger boarded his compartment. He forcibly touched Gandhiji's feet and said, "Hey, you are sitting with your legs crossed, why are you embarrassed?" Aren't you coming? Come on, sit straight!
Gandhiji immediately pulled back his feet and made room for the old man to sit. But the passenger continued to harass Gandhiji, and Gandhiji remained silent and bore it all in peace.
When Benia station was reached, some men ran from the platform to Gandhiji's compartment. They shouted "Gandhiji Jai!" and beat Gandhiji. The passenger stood up. Now he realized that the person he was talking about was Mahatma Gandhiji. He immediately fell at Gandhiji's feet and said, "Forgive me. I did not recognize you and have rejected you." Speak!"
Gandhiji laughed and said, "Hey brother, it was very good that you bothered me. It became a test of endurance. By the grace of God, I have overcome this test. That is why I am a star. We should be grateful!"
Lessons to be learned from this incident
Gandhiji did not protest, yet he did not become weak. He vacated the place, but maintained his self-respect and peace.
Endurance is not based on recognition. Gandhiji was as calm not only after recognition but also before it. True character is that which remains the same even when no one is looking.
Seeing insults as a test turns them into an opportunity to relieve a burden. Gandhiji also thanked the insulter.
Move forward with forgiveness and patience. Gandhiji forgave that man without any hesitation.
To increase endurance in everyday life
Pause before responding. When you feel angry or sad, take a few deep breaths and then speak.
Try to understand the other person's point of view. Often we don't know what the other person is going through.
Learn by doing small things. It is not necessary to win at everything.
Remember the goal. The obstacles of small insults are secondary to the larger goal.
Endurance benefits us in many ways:
Mental health: A calm and controlled nature reduces stress, anxiety, and depression. A tolerant person is mentally healthier and happier.
Successful Relationships: Tolerance plays an important role in maintaining and strengthening relationships with family, friends, and at work. It increases mutual understanding, respect, and love.
Decision-making ability: Only a calm mind can think clearly and make the right decisions. Decisions made in anger or impatience often prove to be wrong.
Goal Achieving: Achieving big goals takes both time and effort. Patience does not let us falter when difficulties arise and helps us move forward towards the goal.
Outlook on Life: Tolerance helps us better understand and accept challenging situations in life. It makes us more stable and calm.
Cultivating this quality is a lifelong process. For that, we have to be constantly aware. Whenever we feel impatient, we can try to calm our mind by focusing on our breathing and thinking things like, "I am calm," "This too shall pass." Trying to see the situation from a different perspective also helps in cultivating tolerance.
Patience is not just the ability to wait, but the ability to control our temper while waiting. It is an art that gives us the strength to face the ups and downs of life, build successful relationships, and find inner peace. It is a precious gem that, if we can cultivate it, can make our lives truly blessed. Let us all make active efforts to understand this important aspect of patience and bring it into our lives.