Guest Author - Samten Tsomo

In the world we live in there is a lot of intolerance. Tolerating intolerance is one of the more challenging aspects of my practice. It is very hard to have compassion towards someone who is intolerant of me because I have different beliefs. I have found maintaining my composure to be difficult while listening to someone ramble on and on about how I am going to hell and taking my son with me UNLESS I change my beliefs to their liking and force them on my son. Or even worse that I give lots of money and my car and my house to them so that I may avoid hell and reserve my place in their heaven.

Sometimes it’s easy to smile and even laugh and to tell those who mean well that I am truly happy that they have found a set of beliefs that helps them to be a happy and caring individual. But, that I have found a path that helps me with my personal quest to be a good person.

Other times it’s rather difficult to listen to a list of my alleged wrongs. Beginning with the evils of being Buddhist and teaching my son to meditate and spin a prayer wheel (he imitates me when I meditate and I’ve never taught him how to use a prayer wheel he just knows how.)

I find myself becoming annoyed and often anger arises and instead of acknowledging it and using the opportunity to work with my anger I allow my thoughts to be carried away and then my body language and often times my words reflect that and not for the best.

At the end of the day I reflect on the situation and work on my emotions and try to use the experience as a learning opportunity. After all those who are intolerant are providing us with a great opportunity to work on our own self. If it wasn’t for them how would I be able to put my practice into action?

So to those who are intolerant of my beliefs and throw challenging words my way, I thank you for providing me with opportunity to work with my afflictive emotions. I wish you peace and happiness in all your pursuits.