The Roots of Tolerance


 In Buddhism, there is a saying: “Ordinary people are full of worldly desires and passions.” This reminds us that everyone is bound by desires, making it difficult to escape suffering and anxiety. Recognizing this truth is the first step toward awakening. For example, in discussions that involve judgment, we are not always right, and others are not always wrong. If we acknowledge that both we and others are driven by desires and prone to error, we gain humility. We may then see that what we consider “right” often conceals our ego or simply serves our own convenience. With this awareness, the impulse to blame others begins to fade. Such a perspective is vital for cultivating tolerance and becoming more understanding as human beings.

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