06/10/2026
*6. TOLERANCE AND ACCEPTANCE ARE NOT VIRTUES*
Many people think tolerance is a virtue.
Tolerance is a negative term. Tolerance indicates a deep sense of dislike. If you like something, there is no question about whether you tolerate it. When you're tolerating something, it means you're temporarily putting up with it. Tolerance is a potential volcano; you're just waiting to explode.
At any time, tolerance can turn into hatred. Tolerance indicates a sense of separateness, small-mindedness, and limited awareness.
Acceptance can also be seen as negative. You accept only that which is not lovable.
*Question:* Don't you need a sense of self-assurance to love people?
*Gurudev:* Only the Self is always assuring. Nothing elsel This is our company---the Self-Assurance Company!
*Question:* Aren't we supposed to accept people as they are?
*Gurudev:* If you don't love them, you will have to accept them. The words tolerance and acceptance are considered positive; I say they are not. Tolerance and acceptance come with judgment and separation.
Don't accept people as they are or tolerate them. Just love them as they are! If you can't love them, at least accept them and be at peace.