Tolerance


Q. How do you teach someone tolerance?

Gurudev: Tolerance itself is a negative word. You tolerate that which you don’t like. I think we need to move from tolerance to love. When you are unfamiliar with something, you don’t love it; you may even dislike it. You need to see it in a different light. Harmony and diversity should be our education; you should learn about every culture and tradition in the world, respect and honour all of them.

The day we educate ourselves in this sense, we will have far fewer problems and we would not have to tolerate anything.

Who is Guru



Guru Is Not Who You Think He Is 

We see the Guru through our own eyes. Often, we see him as a separate individual like everyone else. He just happens to be totally happy and serene. This is because of our own egoistic perspective. 

From the Guru's viewpoint, everyone is one continuum of the self. He does not see a separation. You are as precious to him as he is to himself. 

He does not see a person or devotee becoming free, but his own self waking up to himself, like when your arm or leg falls asleep and then regains its sense again. 

Living life fully is like a roller coaster ride. There is whirling, spinning, fast-paced perceptions, and adventure. If you are tense and holding on tight, resisting each turn, you will feel exhausted and sick at the end. 

But if you can relax and have faith that the builder of the ride made it for your fun and safety, then you feel thrilled, energized, and joyful.

Sri Sri Ravi Shankar ji 

19th February 1997,
Santa Barbara, California 
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