INTOLERANCE/ਅਸਹਿਨਸ਼ੀਲਤਾ

ABSTRACT

Intolerance is the lack of ability or willingness to accept something and is one of the character defects.  It reflects an unwillingness to recognize and respect differences in opinions or beliefs. It might be due to a complex mental state involving beliefs.  One’s feelings and values dispose him to act in certain ways. No individual or group is actually superior to the rest of the humanity. Intolerance is a refusal to accept people who have views, beliefs or life styles, which are different from one’s own.  It is often due to ego as expressed by Guru Nanak in Raag Asa:

ਸਭੁ ਕੋ ਪੂਰਾ ਆਪੇ ਹੋਵੈ ਘਟਿ ਨ ਕੋਈ ਆਖੈ ॥
ਪਤਿ ਪਰਵਾਣਾ ਪਿਛੈ ਪਾਈਐ ਤਾ ਨਾਨਕ ਤੋਲਿਆ ਜਾਪੈ ॥

Sabh Ko Poora Aapay Hovai Ghat Na Ko-ee Aakhai, pat parvaanaa pichhai paa-ee-ai taa naanak toli-aa jaapai.

                                                               

Every one deems himself perfect, and none calls himself imperfect. If the weight of honor is placed on the scale, then, O Nanak, one sees his true weight.-----Guru Nanak, Raag Asa, AGGS, Page, 469-4

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Are We Intolerant?

Intolerance has been commonly associated with religion. Closely tied to the notion of “judgment” is “tolerance.”  Although many accuse absolutists of intolerance, these accusers most likely have an unclear and distorted notion of what tolerance really is.  They often are unaware that the concept of tolerance implies a close relationship to truth.  Contrary to popular definitions, true tolerance means “putting up with error, and accepting all views.”  By definition, what we tolerate is what we disapprove of or what we believe to be false and erroneous.  Furthermore, tolerance presupposes an adequate grasp of what another person believes—as well as knowledge of the strengths and weaknesses of such belief.  Actually, if disagreement didn’t exist, then tolerance would be unnecessary.  It is because real differences exist between people that tolerance becomes necessary and virtuous.

Intolerance may be caused by an unacceptable environment or a drug.  Absence of the virtue of tolerance is a character defect and a global malady. I supplicated to God to bless me with tolerance. God said No; it is not granted but learnt.

ਵਿਦਿਆ ਵੀਚਾਰੀ ਤਾਂ ਪਰਉਪਕਾਰੀ ॥
ਜਾਂ ਪੰਚ ਰਾਸੀ ਤਾਂ ਤੀਰਥ ਵਾਸੀ ॥

vidi-aa veechaaree taaN par-upkaaree, jaaN panch raasee taaN tirath vaasee.

Contemplate and reflect upon knowledge, and you will become a benefactor to others. When you conquer the five passions, then you shall come to dwell at the sacred shrine of pilgrimage.-----Guru Nanak, Raag Asa, AGGS, Page, 356-14

Guru Nanak in Raag Sorath and Guru Ram Das in Raag Asa ponder on human equality

ਜੋ ਅੰਤਰਿ ਸੋ ਬਾਹਰਿ ਦੇਖਹੁ ਅਵਰੁ ਨ ਦੂਜਾ ਕੋਈ ਜੀਉ ॥
ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਏਕ ਦ੍ਰਿਸਟਿ ਕਰਿ ਦੇਖਹੁ ਘਟਿ ਘਟਿ ਜੋਤਿ ਸਮੋਈ ਜੀਉ ॥

Jo Antar So Baahar Daykhhu Avar Na Doojaa Ko-ee Jee-o,Gurmukh Ayk Darisat Kar Daykhhu Ghat Ghat Jot Samo-ee Jee-o.

God is within -- see It outside as well; there is no one, other than God. As Guru willed, look upon all with the single eye of equality; in each and every heart, the Divine Light is contained.-----Guru Nanak, Raag Sorath, AGGS, Page, 599-2

Tolerance is showing respect for the rights or opinions or practices of others; it is another word for indifference. To understand everything makes one tolerant with a broader outlook and a wider vision.  It is characterized by an open mind and can lead to happiness.  On the other hand what one sows poison (intolerance), one will reap, says Guru Amar Das in Siri Raag:

ਗੁਰੁ ਸਬਦੁ ਦਿੜਾਵੈ ਰੰਗ ਸਿਉ ਬਿਨੁ ਕਿਰਪਾ ਲਇਆ ਨ ਜਾਇ ॥
ਜੇ ਸਉ ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤੁ ਨੀਰੀਐ ਭੀ ਬਿਖੁ ਫਲੁ ਲਾਗੈ ਧਾਇ॥

Jė sa­o amriṯ nīrī­ai bẖī bikẖ fal lāgai ḏẖā­ė. Gur sabaḏ ḏiṛāvai rang si▫o bin kirpā la▫i▫ā na jā▫e.

The Guru has lovingly implanted the Word of His Sabd within me. Without His Grace, it cannot be attained. Even if the poisonous plant is watered with ambrosial nectar a hundred times, it will still bear poisonous fruit.-----Guru Amar Das, Siri Raag, AGGS, Page, 65-15

ਸਭ ਏਕ ਦ੍ਰਿਸਟਿ ਸਮਤੁ ਕਰਿ ਦੇਖੈ ਸਭੁ ਆਤਮ ਰਾਮੁ ਪਛਾਨ ਜੀਉ ॥
ਹਰਿ ਹਰਿ ਜਸੁ ਗਾਇਆ ਪਰਮ ਪਦੁ ਪਾਇਆ ਤੇ ਊਤਮ ਜਨ ਪਰਧਾਨ ਜੀਉ ॥

Sabh Ayk Darisat Samat Kar Gaykhai Sabh Aatam Raam Pachhaan Jee-o, Har Har Jas Gaa-i-aa Param Pad Paa-i-aa Tay Ootam Jan ParDhaan Jee-o.

They look upon all with equality, and recognize the Supreme Soul, the God, pervading among all.  Those who sing the Praises of the God, obtain the supreme status; they are the most exalted and acclaimed people.----Guru Ram Das, Raag Asa, AGGS, Page, 446-12

ਖਿਮਾ ਗਹੀ ਸਚੁ ਸੰਚਿਓ ਖਾਇਓ ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤੁ ਨਾਮ ॥
ਖਰੀ ਕ੍ਰਿਪਾ ਠਾਕੁਰ ਭਈ ਅਨਦ ਸੂਖ ਬਿਸ੍ਰਾਮ ॥

Khimaa Gahee Sach Sanchio Khaa-eo Amnrit Naam, Kharee Kirpaa Thaakur Bha-ee Anad Sookh Bisraam.

Adopt an attitude of tolerance, gather truth, and partake of the Ambrosial Nectar of the Name.  When my God and Master showed Its Great Mercy, I found peace, happiness and bliss.-----Guru Arjan, Raag Gauri, AGGS, Page, 261-8

ਜੋ ਬੀਜੈ ਸੋਈ ਲੁਣੈ ਸਭ ਰਸ ਕਸ ਬਹੁ ਰੰਗ ਰੰਗੀਣੀ ॥
ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਸੁਖ ਫਲੁ ਹੈ ਮਸਕੀਣੀ ॥

Jo Beejai So LuNai Sabh Ras Kas Boh Rang Rangeenee, Gurmukh Sukh Fal Hai MaskeeNee.

Amongst vegetative flora, of sweet and bitter tastes, and of a variety of colors on earth, one reaps whatever one sows. The saintly person perceives happiness only while practicing humility.-----Bhai Gurdas, Vaar 4, Pauri, 2

Tolerance furnishes, as a by-product, a greater freedom from the tendency to cling to preconceived ideas and stubbornly adhered-to opinions.  It often promotes an open-mindedness that is vastly important and is in fact, a prerequisite to the successful conclusion of any line of search, whether it is scientific or spiritual.

Difference of opinion is helpful in religion.-----Voltaire

It is observed that those who follow the tenets of Sikhism in totality, truthfully, and honestly with the greatest earnestness attain serenity.  Their zeal will often lead to other finer characteristics and attitudes as well. One of these is tolerance. Tolerance expresses itself in a variety of ways: in kindness and consideration:

1.      Toward the man or woman who is just beginning the march along the Spiritual path.

2.      In understanding the difficulties of those who perhaps have not learned the Gurmukhi language and enough Gurbani.

3.      And in sympathy toward those whose religious ideas may seem to be at great variance.

4.      The only hope of preserving what is best, lies in the practice of immense charity, a wider tolerance, and a sincere respect for the others’ opinions with humility.

It is the duty of every cultured man or woman to read sympathetically the scriptures of the world. If we are to respect others' religions as we would have them respect our own, a friendly study of the world's religions is a sacred duty.-----Gandhi

Human diversity makes tolerance more than a virtue. "The best thing to give to your enemy is forgiveness; to an opponent, tolerance; to a friend, your heart; to your child, a good example; to a father, deference; to your mother, conduct that will make her proud of you; to yourself, respect; to all men, charity."  Sheikh Farid writes in his Sloke 127 on these:

ਨਿਵਣੁ ਸੁ ਅਖਰੁ ਖਵਣੁ ਜਿਹਬਾ ਮਣੀਆ ਮੰਤ॥
ਏ ਤ੍ਰੈ ਭੈਣੇ ਵੇਸ ਕਰਿ ਤਾਂ ਵਸਿ ਆਵੀ ਕੰਤੁ ॥

NivaN So Akhar KhavaN GouN Jehba MaNia Mant, Ay Tarai Bhainay Vays Kar TaaN Vas Aavee Kant.

Humility is the word, forgiveness is the virtue, and sweet speech is the magic mantra. Wear these three robes, O sister, and you will captivate your Spouse God.-----Sloke Sheikh Farid # 127, AGGS, Page, 1384-15

He who has no spiritual peace, tolerance, consolation, truth, love, and devotion cannot communicate these gifts and virtues to the others. But on the other hand those who reflect on spiritual knowledge will become benefactor to others says Guru Nanak in Raag Asa:

ਵਿਦਆ ਵੀਚਾਰੀ ਤਾਂ ਪਰਉਪਕਾਰੀ ॥

ਜਾਂ ਪੰਚ ਰਾਸੀ ਤਾਂ ਤੀਰਥ ਵਾਸੀ ॥
 vidi-aa veechaaree taaN par-upkaaree, jaaN panch raasee taaN tirath vaasee.  

Contemplate and reflect upon knowledge, and you will become a benefactor to others. When you conquer the five passions, then you shall come to dwell at the sacred shrine of pilgrimage.-----Guru Nanak, Raag Asa, AGGS, Page, 356-14

Conclusion:

Patience, tolerance, understanding and love are the watchwords. Show others these things in yourself and they will be reflected back to you from them. Live and let live should be the rule. A spirit of intolerance might repel other Sikhs, whose ignorance can be dispelled by Divine Knowledge. I believe that it is fear that fuels the fires of misunderstanding and intolerance. In order to ease the fear people have of others beliefs, my way of promoting respect is to develop tolerance of all belief and non-belief systems. We all are on different paths and different spiritual stages with the same goal. None is more sacred than another. Everyone has their own personal connection to their spirituality, but regardless of what or who we call God everyone should be able to worship in their own way of understanding the teachings of Sabd Guru without intolerance. To experience love, and to create a life that succeeds, one needs to stop fighting and resisting.  One can do this through "letting go," which is the inner action that releases the fear. The moment you let go, everything seems to change. With the fear gone, one sees the same situation very differently and becomes, humble, non-argumentative, creative and discovers solutions that he could never have seen before.

ਉਕਤਿ ਸਿਆਨਪ ਕਿਛੂ ਨ ਜਾਨਾ ॥

ਦਿਨੁ ਰੈਣਿ ਤੇਰਾ ਨਾਮੁ ਵਖਾਨਾ ॥

ਮੈ ਨਿਰਗੁਨ ਗੁਣੁ ਨਾਹੀ ਕੋਇ ॥

ਕਰਨ ਕਰਾਵਨਹਾਰ ਪ੍ਰਭ ਸੋਇ ॥

ਮੂਰਖ ਮੁਗਧ ਅਗਿਆਨ ਅਵੀਚਾਰੀ ॥

ਨਾਮ ਤੇਰੇ ਕੀ ਆਸ ਮਨਿ ਧਾਰੀ ॥

ਜਪੁ ਤਪੁ ਸੰਜਮੁ ਕਰਮ ਨ ਸਾਧਾ ॥

ਨਾਮੁ ਪ੍ਰਭੂ ਕਾ ਮਨਹਿ ਅਰਾਧਾ ॥

ਕਿਛੂ ਨ ਜਾਨਾ ਮਤਿ ਮੇਰੀ ਥੋਰੀ ॥

ਬਿਨਵਤਿ ਨਾਨਕ ਓਟ ਪ੍ਰਭ ਤੋਰੀ ॥

Oakat Siaanup Kichu Na Jaana, Din Raenn Tera Naam Vakhaanaa, “Mea Nirgun Gun Nahi Koey, Karan Karaavanhaar Prabh Soey, Moorakh Mugdh Agiaann Aveechaari, Naam Teray Ki Aas Man Dhari, Jap Tap Sanjam Karam Na Saadhaa, Naam Prabhu Ka Maneh Aaraadhaa, Kichoo Na Jana Mat Meri Thoree, Binvat Nanak Oat Prabh Toree.

I know nothing of arguments or cleverness. Day and night, I chant Your Name. I am worthless; I have no virtue at all. God is the Creator, the Cause of all causes. I am foolish, stupid, ignorant and thoughtless; Your Name is my mind's only hope. I have not practiced chanting, deep meditation, self-discipline or good actions; but within my mind, I have worshipped God's Name. I know nothing, and my intellect is inadequate. Prays Nanak, O God, You are my only Support.-----Guru Arjan, Raag Asa, AGGS, Page, 387-388

Love and tolerance of others is the foundation stone of Sikh Faith and one must tolerate others without being disturbed. The only way to make sure people you agree with can speak is to support the rights of people you don't agree with. This challenge has to be dealt with human maturity in a constructive and creative way.