Peace of Mind

Suffering and unsatisfactory circumstances are pervasive in this life and will be inescapable. You, as a human being, will never be able to prevent these circumstances from happening. You can, however, learn how to deal with these situations and practice patience in the face of adversity. Not only will you maintain your peace of mind, you will also act in a manner that you can later look back on and be proud of.

If someone shouts at you, it's a normal response to feel angry. If you respond with anger, the situation is aggravated, because now there are two angry people instead of just one. The minute that you remember that you do not have to respond to anger with anger the problem will begin to be resolved.

Buddhism teaches that our enemies are offering us opportunities to practice patience, which creates positive karma.

"There is nothing whatsoever that is not made easier through acquaintance.

So through becoming acquainted with small harms, I should learn to patiently accept greater harms."

Shantideva