A Way of Thinking That Eliminates the Need for "Endurance" in Life
Have you ever felt like you’re enduring something in your everyday life? Whether it's work, family, or relationships, you may find yourself forced to put up with various situations. But after watching today’s video, you might begin to question, “Is endurance really necessary?” Today, we’ll talk about Buddhist teachings and the mindset you can adopt to live a life where endurance becomes unnecessary.
Endurance Is Not a Virtue
We’ve often been taught that "enduring is a virtue." Especially in Japanese culture, endurance and perseverance are highly valued. However, in Buddhist teachings, the word "endurance" holds a completely different meaning. In Buddhism, "endurance" actually refers to "arrogance" or "pride." In other words, endurance arises from the ego—the feeling that one is superior to others.
For example, when someone calls you "stupid," the feeling of "I’m not stupid!" rises within. This emotion stems from the arrogance of believing that you are superior to others. This arrogance is why you feel the need to endure.
However, what if we were humble and accepted that it’s okay to be called stupid? If we can think, "Yes, I am stupid," then there is no need to endure, and our minds become lighter. When we stop seeing ourselves as special, we no longer need to endure what others say and can live more freely.
The Idea of Seeing Yourself with Humility
So, how can we live a life where we don’t have to endure? The answer lies in viewing ourselves with humility. Often, we tend to see ourselves as special or assume our opinions and feelings are always right. But Buddhism teaches that all people are fundamentally equal and that no one is inherently more special than anyone else.
Once you adopt this way of thinking, you’ll find yourself less hurt by the words of others. When you no longer see yourself as superior, there’s no need to overreact to what others say or do.
Moreover, in Buddhism, compassion for others is highly emphasized. Understanding that you’re not the only important one, but that others are also valuable, helps to ease the anger and resentment you might feel toward others. This makes it possible to maintain inner peace without the need to endure.
Practical Examples of Living Without Endurance
Now, how can we actually practice living without endurance? Here are some practical examples:
1. Endurance in the Workplace
Many people may feel like they’re stuck in a job they don’t enjoy. You might have thought, "Why do I have to endure this every day?" But what if you viewed yourself humbly and felt grateful for any job that allows you to earn a living, no matter what it is? The need to endure might gradually disappear.
We often overestimate our own worth. Thoughts like, "I deserve a better job," or "I shouldn’t have to do this," can creep in. However, if we cultivate humility and think, "I can learn something from this job" or "This job helps me grow," we can approach our work without enduring it and may even find appreciation in it.
2. Endurance in Relationships
Next, let’s consider endurance in relationships. Whether it’s with family, friends, or coworkers, you may feel like you have to endure certain situations at times. But what if we could accept others as they are, without expecting too much from them?
For instance, in a marriage, you might sometimes feel, "Why do I have to be the one doing all the housework?" However, your partner may also be enduring something similar. If both partners cultivate a humble mindset and never forget to appreciate each other, there would be no need to endure, and a natural relationship of mutual support would develop.
The Freedom That Comes from Letting Go of Endurance
By letting go of endurance, we gain true freedom. Endurance is essentially a restriction we place on ourselves. For example, enduring criticism from others, or forcing ourselves to overwork—all of these arise from the desire to appear good in the eyes of others.
However, by following Buddhist teachings and striving for humility, we free ourselves from the need for validation from others. No matter how others view us, there’s no need to endure, and we can live authentically. This state of being can be described as true freedom of the heart.
A Mindset for a Life Without Endurance
So far, we’ve discussed a way of living without endurance. To actually practice it, a daily mindset is essential. By seeing ourselves humbly through the lens of Buddhist teachings and by always being grateful, the need to endure will gradually diminish.
First, when you feel like you’re enduring something, try to reflect on the cause. It might stem from your own arrogance. By letting go of your ego and realizing that you are on the same level as everyone else, you’ll find that endurance becomes unnecessary.
Moreover, maintaining an attitude of gratitude is crucial. Even the smallest things in life deserve appreciation, and by focusing on that, you can move through life positively, without the burden of endurance.
Conclusion
In today’s post, we talked about a mindset that makes endurance unnecessary. Based on Buddhist teachings, it’s important to let go of "arrogance" and to cultivate humility. Doing so will allow us to live freely and happily, without the need to endure.
Of course, it may be difficult to eliminate all endurance from our lives. But by practicing this way of thinking even just a little, you’ll lighten your heart and lead a better life.
I hope that your life becomes freer and happier, unburdened by the need for endurance. Thank you for reading until the end today. I look forward to seeing you again in the next time.
