Tolerance is based on going beyond the superficial things that divide us.  It’s the result of turning within and coming to know the self. If I can deal with my own ego, then my own anger can be resolved.  This goes a long way in resolving external issues too.

With my own ego out of the way, I will be able to handle anything!  Otherwise it’s just the same old thing – you versus me, yours versus mine, etc. – intolerance. If I’m unselfish and honest in my heart and am concerned about others’ needs, then I will be full enough to give.

When you know the self in this way, then you can know others. “I should be understood” changes to “I should understand”. Not “They should change”, but “I will give what’s needed”. Patience, peace and maturity develop. Spiritual tolerance cultivates innate wisdom, the kind you can’t get from books.