Showing Forbearance Does Not Mean You Are a Coward

(Clearwisdom.net) Moral standards have changed dramatically in recent times, and human thought has become more and more complicated. Many deviated notions have formed, as a result.

Some people think that forbearance is cowardly; that someone who turns the other cheek rather than fighting back is lacking in courage. This is because people don't know understand the real meaning of forbearance. Some people endure, or forbear, while holding a grudge, or simply because they are afraid to do anything else. That's not true forbearance. Let's look at the forbearance of Han Xin in ancient China.

Hoodlums often bullied him. One time, a hoodlum stopped Han Xin in the street and arrogantly yelled: "A tall man carrying a sword, you look very powerful. Dare you kill me? If not, crawl through my legs!" Instead of fighting, Han Xin indeed crawled through the hoodlum's legs. Many on the street laughed at him, feeling he was cowardly. Later on, however, Han Xin became a famous officer in the Han Dynasty.

The thug was afraid that Han Xin would later seek him out for revenge. However, Han Xin instead had forgiven him.

In times of war, Han Xin faced his enemies with great courage, never fearing to do what needed to be done. He led his armies to one victory after another. He is remembered as a military genius with great talent and foresight.

Who can say that Han Xin was a coward? A heart of such forbearance is even more of a rarity in today's society.

Falun Gong practitioners don't fight back when punched and don't return insults when cursed at. They understand that they shouldn't hate the person who punches or insults them, but should instead show them kindness. Many in society find this hard to understand and regard them as cowards. But they are not cowards. They show great courage facing the cruel and illegal persecution, the corrupt authorities and the horrific tortures used on them. They show that courage and righteous thoughts cannot be destroyed. Even many of those who persecute them are shocked and admire them.

When a Falun Gong practitioner was beaten and tortured because he refused to give up his belief or sign a guarantee statement, the perpetrators used so much energy in beating him that they could not lift their arms. The practitioner did not hate them, and instead, clarified the truth to them with compassion. The perpetrators were shocked and they felt regret and shame.

Falun Gong practitioners have great compassion. They strive to forbear without anger or grievance, and such behavior has the power to change the hearts of others. Forbearance is the manifestation of a strong will, and it's by no means cowardly.

Chinese version available at http://www.minghui.org/mh/articles/2008/2/23/172976.html

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