Tokugawa Ieyasu: 'Patience means restraining one's inclinations.'

Patience means restraining one's inclinations.

In the words of Tokugawa Ieyasu, "Patience means restraining one's inclinations." This quote encapsulates the essence of patience and its significance in our lives. Simply put, being patient requires us to control our impulses and not give in to our immediate desires or reactions. It is a virtue that allows us to navigate through life's challenges with grace and composure. This blog article will delve deeper into the meaning and importance of this quote, while also exploring an unexpected philosophical concept to add intrigue and depth to the discussion.At its core, this quote reminds us that patience is not simply about waiting for things to happen. It is about the conscious choice to restrain our inclinations and emotions, especially in situations where acting impulsively may yield unfavorable outcomes. Patience demands that we possess the self-control necessary to resist making rash decisions based on temporary feelings. It encourages us to take a step back, assess the situation objectively, and act with a clear mind.It is important to recognize that patience is not synonymous with inaction. It does not imply a passive surrender to circumstances. Instead, it empowers us to actively engage with challenges while maintaining a sense of equanimity. When we restrain our inclinations, we open ourselves up to alternative perspectives and solutions. This allows us to approach problems with a clearer mindset, leading to more effective problem-solving and decision-making.In a fast-paced society that often values instant gratification, cultivating patience can be a powerful antidote. It teaches us the art of delayed gratification, the ability to tolerate discomfort or delay satisfaction for a greater long-term benefit. By restraining our inclinations, we become capable of enduring hardships, persevering through obstacles, and striving for long-term goals.Now, let's introduce an unexpected philosophical concept—the concept of Wu Wei. Derived from Taoist philosophy, Wu Wei can be loosely translated as "effortless action" or "non-doing." It is an intriguing perspective to juxtapose with Tokugawa Ieyasu's quote on patience. While patience emphasizes restraining one's inclinations, Wu Wei suggests that true mastery lies in flowing with the natural rhythm of life, without force or resistance.At first glance, these two concepts may seem contradictory. On one hand, patience requires actively restraining our inclinations, while Wu Wei encourages us to embrace a state of non-doing. However, upon deeper reflection, we can find harmony between the two.Both patience and Wu Wei ultimately aim to free us from the grips of our impulsive inclinations and the demanding pressures of modern life. Patience teaches us to control our reactions, while Wu Wei reminds us to release our attachment to outcomes. By combining the virtues of patience and Wu Wei, we develop the capacity to move through life with balanced effort and intuitive grace.In essence, patience and Wu Wei are complementary forces. Patience acts as the initial step to gain control over our impulses, allowing us to observe and understand the natural flow of events. Once we have learned this art of restraint, we can then transition into the state of non-doing advocated by Wu Wei. Through this integration, we attain a deep sense of inner peace, allowing life to unfold organically while maintaining our composure.In conclusion, the quote by Tokugawa Ieyasu, "Patience means restraining one's inclinations," highlights the importance of self-control and deliberate action amidst the chaos of life. It urges us to transcend our impulsive tendencies and embrace the power of patience. By juxtaposing this idea with the philosophical concept of Wu Wei, we find harmony between restraint and surrender, leading to a balanced and fulfilling existence. So, let us remember to exercise patience in our daily lives, as it is the key to transcending our inclinations and uncovering enlightenment.