At Kandahar, Mr Hariz hosted Richard (now Radhanath Swami). Once while having a philosophical discussion with him, Richard noticed Hariz howl like a wolf and a mongoose crawled into the terrace and soon crawled up to Richard’s long hair and went to sleep. Hariz apologized but said if Richard were to try to wake up the mongoose, he would tear his head to shreds. Richard spent six hours hosting the mongoose; it was a hard lesson in patience and tolerance. The pain was intense but he couldn’t afford to sleep. Richard spent the night praying and realized the mongoose was teaching the sacred virtue of patience and forbearance. Radhanath Swami writes that the lesson the mongoose taught would give him strength in the hard times that awaited him in his search for enlightenment. Finally when the sun rose, the mongoose crawled down the back and stared at Richard with an innocent affection as if thanking him for his hospitality.
There is a wise Indian saying, ‘atmavat manyate jajat’, the world is a reflection of our own state of consciousness. Since Radhanath Swami is naturally grateful and kind, he could also see the mongoose express gratitude. Radhanath Swami also learnt the need to be tolerant in the company of the mongoose. The way Radhanath Swami built his community of dedicated members at Mumbai is a classic example of his tolerance. The community premises where Radhanath Swami lived in the late 1980’s was poverty stricken. The neighborhood was noisy; he had rats- the size even cats would fear- for company. Even by Indian standards, the place was disgustingly dirty; yet Radhanath Swami- an American by birth- lived here happily chanting the names of God and influencing others through his sterling qualities of tolerance and patience. Radhanath Swami is constantly absorbed in selfless service; hence he easily transcends physical surroundings.
On one occasion after a long and tiring day, Radhanath Swami rested late at night, yet although he was sick, he was up for the morning temple services. A student unable to see his guru, Radhanath Swami’s physical illness, requested him to go and take rest. Radhanath Swami smiled and replied, “I feel unhappy if I do not make it for the morning programme.” The student replied, “But I feel unhappy to see you come for the services when you are sick. And I feel happy when I see you not come, because I know that you are taking a well-deserved rest.” Radhanath Swami immediately laughed aloud and said, “Thank you for your concern but it’s better that you feel unhappy rather than I feel unhappy.” The student was defeated. Radhanath Swami disregards his bodily sickness to come for the morning services, just so that he can inspire his younger students to practice strict spiritual standards.
Even for his householder students and disciples, Radhanath Swami emphasizes that the focus and center of their relationship should be to create a favorable environment to chant the holy names of God and selflessly serve each other. But Radhanath Swami clarifies that in order to do that, each of them has to cultivate affection and care and especially tolerance of each other. Radhanath Swami says in modern times tolerance is the most required quality for married couples because, “By the nature of this age when two false egos come together there is bound to be conflict. There will be disagreements misunderstandings as time goes on; certain things about each other will be disgusting. The sanctity of the marriage will be based on how partners in a marriage don’t take these differences very seriously.”
Since Radhanath Swami himself practices the highest standards of tolerance and patience, his realizations on this subject penetrate the heart deeply.
Source: http://www.radhanath-swami.net/exemplifying-tolerance/exemplifying-tolerance
