Learning Tolerance Through the Presence of Adversity
Created at: May 12, 2025
In the practice of tolerance, one's enemy is the best teacher. — Dalai Lama
Understanding Tolerance and Its Challenges
The Dalai Lama’s words invite us to examine the true nature of tolerance. Tolerance, at its core, is not merely the passive acceptance of ideals or people we already agree with, but the active effort to remain open-minded and patient in the face of opposing views. Everyday harmony with friends and like-minded circles seldom tests our capacity for tolerance. It is only when confronted by opposition—embodied by our ‘enemies’—that our commitment to tolerance is genuinely measured.
Enemies as Unconventional Instructors
Building on this understanding, the Dalai Lama positions adversaries not as obstacles to peace, but as invaluable instructors. An ‘enemy’ may evoke frustration, anger, or fear, emotions that challenge our sense of self-control and patience. Yet it is precisely through grappling with these feelings that we learn the discipline and resilience required for genuine tolerance. In the Buddhist tradition, which deeply influences the Dalai Lama’s philosophy, outer conflicts are seen as opportunities for inner growth, echoing teachings found in texts like Shantideva’s ‘Bodhicharyavatara’ (8th century).
Personal Transformation Amidst Conflict
When we encounter antagonism, we hold up a mirror to our own limitations. The reactions enemies provoke can uncover latent impatience or prejudice. Recognizing and working through these reactions is itself a form of spiritual or personal training. This transformative potential is seen in the Dalai Lama’s own life: during decades of exile from Tibet, he has repeatedly advocated for compassion toward his political adversaries, citing their role in sharpening his understanding of forgiveness and tolerance.
Historical Lessons and Modern Parallels
History reinforces the Dalai Lama’s insight. From Mahatma Gandhi’s nonviolent resistance, treating even oppressors with dignity, to Nelson Mandela’s practice of reconciliation with former jailers, the world’s great peacemakers modeled learning from those who opposed them. These figures demonstrate how adversity, rather than hardening hearts, can instead expand one’s capacity for understanding and acceptance—transforming enemies into the best teachers.
Integrating Tolerance Into Daily Life
Ultimately, the practice of tolerance guided by challenging individuals need not take place only on the grand stage of history. In personal relationships, workplaces, and communities, we constantly encounter those who test our patience and values. By reframing these encounters as learning opportunities rather than threats, we cultivate a deeper, enduring tolerance—one that survives far beyond the comfort of agreement.