Transcending Insanity, Part Three: Patience

Transcending Insanity, Part Three: Patience

Author: Susan Piver August 29, 2025 Duration: 18:01

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In this episode, I move on in our exploration of the Six Paramitas (“transcendent actions”) to the third paramita: patience.

There is a common misconception that patience means tolerating bad behavior or remaining silent in the face of harm. Instead, patience is a profound and active spiritual practice that can help us transcend aggression and stay present with reality as it unfolds.

Drawing on classical Buddhist teachings and a personal story about losing my  temper in traffic, I talk about how we can remain connected to our own and others’ humanity—even in difficult moments—and why doing so is essential for a compassionate life.


Highlights:

  • What Patience Is (and Isn't):
  • Not about tolerating wrongdoing or suppressing anger.
  • True patience is the opposite of aggression—it’s about staying present and not shrinking the world to your anger.
  • A personal story of losing patience


Two Keys to Patience:

  • Staying connected to humanity—even when angry.
  • Letting go of expectations.


Three Forms of Patience (from the Buddhist tradition):

  • Overcoming Others’ Destructiveness – Meeting aggression without adding more.
  • Realizing the Nature of Aggression – Seeing the pain behind harmful actions (in others and ourselves).
  • Individual Examination – Resisting assumptions and prejudice; seeing each situation and person freshly.

War has never led to peace, and hatred has never resolved anything. We must learn to fight injustice without aggression.

Cultivating patience begins with how we relate to our own inner experiences.

What would happen if you responded to frustration or criticism without expectations—and stayed open to the humanity behind every interaction?



If you enjoyed this episode:

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Produced by Citizens of Sound

Music by: Derek O'Brien

©Open Heart Project 


In Buddhism Beyond Belief with Susan Piver, ancient wisdom meets the messy reality of modern living. Susan Piver, drawing from three decades as a student of Tibetan Buddhism and her experience guiding the nearly 20,000-member Open Heart Project meditation community, acts as a thoughtful companion rather than a distant teacher. This isn't about scholarly lectures; it's a conversation. You'll hear explorations of foundational concepts-the four noble truths, the six paramitas, and more-but always through the lens of direct, personal application. The focus is on how these teachings can resonate in the middle of a busy workday, within complex relationships, or during moments of quiet doubt. Each episode of this podcast feels like a genuine discussion about integrating contemplative practice into all aspects of life, from physical health and spiritual curiosity to navigating everyday stress. The aim is to move past doctrine and into direct experience, offering practical insights for cultivating resilience, compassion, and a sense of groundedness. Whether you're well-versed in Buddhist thought or simply curious about a more mindful approach to fitness, health, and personal growth, Susan's guidance is both accessible and deeply authentic. Tune in for a perspective that values lived understanding over belief, creating space for clarity and an open heart amid the noise.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 52

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Send us Fan MailBuddhism Beyond Belief is a podcast from Susan Piver, a 30 year student of Tibetan Buddhism and founder of the Open Heart Project, an online meditation community with close to 20000 members.With Susan as…