By: Sheilu Didi
Source: The Daily Guardian  https://epaper.thedailyguardian.com/view/1654/the-daily-guardian/14
Dated: November 16, 2024

Sweet is the fruit of patience, it is said. Patience, which is defined as the ability to stay calm and accept bothersome situations without complaint, has immense spiritual value. It goes beyond simply waiting for something, and is a deep inner quality that fosters personal growth, harmony, and alignment with a higher purpose.

Patience teaches us to accept things as they are, rather than constantly try to change or control them. In this sense, it helps us cultivate peace by letting go of expectations of immediate results. Patience is closely tied to faith. When we practise patience, we are also practising trust—in the universe, or God's will. It is about trusting that things will unfold in their own time, according to a divine plan, and finding contentment in the process rather than demanding that things happen according to our wishes. Many spiritual teachings emphasize the importance of non-resistance to life's difficulties. In Buddhism, the practice of patience is seen as key to overcoming suffering and achieving enlightenment. Enduring hardships with patience also brings spiritual maturity, as we realise that challenges lead to growth and a closer connection to the Divine.

Spiritual growth is not a quick or linear process. It requires deep, patient cultivation of wisdom, virtue, and awareness over time. Patience allows us to stay centred and focused on our spiritual journey, even when progress seems slow or is invisible. It also helps to purify the soul, by enabling us to overcome attachments, desires, and negative emotions. 

Patience is essential for achieving self-mastery, as it helps us pause and reflect before reacting, and enables us to control our thoughts, desires, and impulses. It is also a vehicle to humility. Impatience often stems from the ego’s desire for control, instant gratification, or recognition. Patience, on the other hand, allows the ego to step aside. This humility may come in the form of acknowledging our limitations — whether in terms of knowledge, ability, or understanding. By being patient, we accept that we cannot control every aspect of life or know everything, which keeps us open to learning and growing.

The rewards of patience extend beyond the self to our relationships. It allows us to give others the space to express themselves and process their emotions, fostering deeper and more meaningful connections. This helps avoid unnecessary arguments and misunderstandings. When we take the time to listen to and understand others, conflicts are resolved more smoothly. Being patient with others is also a way of extending compassion to them. It encourages tolerance, even when others act in ways that challenge or frustrate us. By cultivating such forbearance, we learn to accept the imperfections in others and treat them with love, kindness, and forgiveness.

Even those not spiritually inclined have much to gain from being patient. Patience helps us to manage stress better as we are less likely to feel rushed or frustrated in situations. This leads to lower levels of anxiety and helps us stay calm under pressure. There is also greater emotional balance in charged situations. It also improves decision-making. When we take the time to fully consider our options, we make more informed and well-considered decisions rather than impulsive ones.

Then, it fosters resilience. Unforeseen obstacles and delays are a part of life’s journey. Patience helps us accept setbacks without giving up, and keep moving forward even when things are not going exactly as planned. And we can do this without being upset: when we learn to appreciate the journey rather than just rushing towards the destination, whether it is achieving career goals, personal development, or relationships, the process becomes just as rewarding as the result.

B.K. Sheilu is a Rajyoga teacher
at the Brahma Kumaris headquarters 
in Mount Abu, Rajasthan.