Total Thoughts (November 16, 2009): Titiksha (Tattva Bodha pages 25 - 27)

In Shrimad Bhagavad Gita Lord Krishna tells Prince Arjuna, 'The one with titiksha (forbearance) is fit for Immortality'.  We have shown the depth of our seeking by giving this spiritual quality it's due importance - 1 1/2 discussions only on titiksha!  What this quality is, why we need this and how to develop this, is shared with all through our Total Thoughts...
  
Total Thoughts (November 16, 2009):  Titiksha (Tattva Bodha pages 25 - 27)

• Each and every day our lives are peppered with the pairs of opposites - these are pain & pleasure for the body, gain & loss for the mind, and victory & defeat for the intellect
• When we succumb to these ever changing situations we become complacent to sorrow - however, when we absorb ourselves in noble pursuits these pairs become less potent (i.e. when feeding the needy one's own hunger fades away)
• The diseases of the body and mind (vyadhi and aadhi) are neutralized by endurance and patience respectively - the world cannot shake one who has developed endurance and patience
• Chosen discipline or tapas (i.e. taking cold showers, etc.) enables one to practice titiksha during forced hardships (i.e. when there is no hot water, etc.) - the more we sweat in peace the less we bleed in war
• The purpose of forbearance, like all other spiritual qualities, is to ensure that our mind is reflecting on the Spirit and not caught up in the mundane - the purpose of reflecting on the Spirit is to rediscover our Joyous Nature, hence the one with titiksha is fit for Immortality

Foundation for our upcoming discussion:  Shraddha & Samadhanam  (Tattva Bodha pages 27 - 30)