The More They Beat Us, The Louder We Sang

'Serenity, freedom from disease, joy and long life, the happiness of an emperor, prosperity; these the patient person receives while continuing in cyclic existence.' Padmavajra's sixth talk on the Bodhicaryavatara explores Shantideva's thorough exploration of the perfection of patience. In this chapter, Shantideva brings our attention to the seriousness of the faults of hatred and anger. He shows how such states of mind arise and gives a number of ways in which patience can be cultivated in relation to the various sufferings inherent in life, especially towards those who cause us - or our nearest and dearest - harm. It is clear that the practice of patience requires tremendous faith, strength and vision if it is to be perfected.

Talk given at Padmaloka Retreat Centre, 2020.

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