When we talk about patience or tolerance,we should understand that there are many degrees ,starting from a simple tolerance,such as being able to bear a certain amount of heat and cold ,progressing toward the highest level of patience,which is the type of patience and tolerance found in the great practitioners,the buddhisattva's in the high level of buddhist path .If we have the realization that the tolerating immediate hardship can have long term beneficial consequences ,we are more likely to be able to tolerate everyday hardships.Similarly,in the case of those on the bodhisattva's levels of the path practicing high levels of tolerance and patience,intelligence also play a very important role as a complementary factor.
I bow down to the body of him
In whom the sacred precious mind is born
I seek refuge in that source of joy
Who brings to happiness even those who harm him.
In this verse,he states that since this altruistic aspiration develops to the infinite capacity of helping all other sentient beings, the persons who generates that kind of infinite altruism is truly an object worthy of respect and reverence.because this infinite altruism is the source of joy and happiness not only for oneself but also for countless other sentient beings.Even if one commits a negative act or has a negative relationship, although its immediate censequences may be negative ,in the long run the very fact that one had an interaction with such a person will lead to positive consequences and benefit in the future.Such is the power of this infinite altruism.
The first verse of shantideva's "patience"chapter reads:
Whatever wholesome deeds,
such as venerating the buddhas and [practicing]generiosity,
that have been amassed over a thousand eons,
will all be destroyed in one moment of anger.
