PATIENCE UNDER HUMILIATION
Caller: When a well-cultivated individual exercises patience under humiliation, his mind will remain unmoved. On the other hand, those of a lower state of mind may outwardly restrain themselves from creating the karma of speech but continue to feel indignant inwardly, thereby sinning through their thoughts.
Is it right to say that such surface-level patience cannot be classified as a true display of patience under humiliation, or is this a stage that we have to go through in the pursuit of true patience under humiliation?
Master Jun Hong Lu: In actuality, patience under humiliation is divided into two categories – internal and external. The external form of patience under humiliation is seen when one does not rebuke or even speak to the other party but remains mentally agitated, transgressing in the mind.
On the other hand, great monastics who exercise internal patience under humiliation will not even need to put in effort for an outward expression of patience. After all, if there is no hatred within, how would hatred be expressed? Hence, it is only when one is unable to exercise internal patience under humiliation that an external expression of patience is necessary.
It is best for an external patience under humiliation to be anchored by an internal manifestation because without which your psyche will be affected. Your mind will gradually be subdued should you consistently refrain from speaking negatively, and this will then form the foundation for internal patience. Needless to say, the best state of mind is to be free from the feeling of having to be patient – this is when you will be completely natural outwardly.
Caller: Yes, Master Lu.
Master Jun Hong Lu: The external manifestation of patience is easier to achieve than internal patience.
Caller: Is it right to say that a continual effort to perform recitation, gain wisdom and resolve negative karmic affinities is the way to truly achieve internal patience under humiliation?
Master Jun Hong Lu: That is right.
Source: Shuohua20130308 18:08, Master Jun Hong Lu’s call-in radio program
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