Significance of Long-suffering
Long-suffering, as defined by Dharmashastra and Theravada, signifies the capacity to endure pain, hardship, and distress with patience. In Dharmashastra, it specifically pertains to enduring corporal punishment, while in Theravada, it emphasizes virtues such as patience, especially in challenging situations and the behavior of the youth. Historically in India, long-suffering describes humanity's endurance under oppression and is associated with divine qualities, suggesting that it embodies patience and resilience in the face of struggles, often viewed as a necessary trait for spiritual growth.
Synonyms: Patient, Resilient, Tolerant, Stoic
In Dutch: Lankmoedig; In Finnish: 笔颈迟办盲尘颈别濒颈苍别苍; In Spanish: Longevidad; In German: 尝补苍驳尘眉迟颈驳
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Long-suffering'
Long-suffering in Buddhism embodies patience and endurance through adversity, especially regarding foolishness. It is viewed as a virtue, integral to the Bhikkhu's path, and a prerequisite for achieving Nirvana and embodying a Samana's spirit.
From: Milindapanha (questions of King Milinda)
(1) The ability to endure hardship and suffering without complaint; a disposition necessary for a Samana.[1] (2) The capacity to endure hardship patiently, recognized as a virtue of the Bhikkhu.[2]
From: Jataka tales [English], Volume 1-6
(1) The quality of showing patience and endurance when dealing with difficult or problematic situations, particularly in relation to the behavior of foolish youth.[3]
From: Dhammapada (translated from the Pali)
(1) The practice of enduring hardships patiently, considered by the Awakened as a form of Nirvana.[4]
Hindu concept of 'Long-suffering'
In Hinduism, Long-suffering signifies enduring prolonged pain or distress, often stemming from corporal punishments as prescribed in sacred texts, highlighting the themes of perseverance and acceptance in the face of spiritual or moral trials.
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) Prolonged pain or distress that results from the imposed corporal punishments outlined in the text.[5]
The concept of Long-suffering in local and regional sources
Long-suffering describes the endurance of humanity's pain under oppression and characterizes God's patience with human flaws, highlighting resilience in the face of suffering and the transformative potential of great leadership.
From: Triveni Journal
(1) A description of the enduring pain and struggles of humanity under oppression before the emergence of great leaders.[6] (2) A characteristic attributed to God, suggesting patience and endurance despite human flaws.[7]
From: Bede's Ecclesiastical History of England
(1) The long-suffering is mentioned as something that Queen Ethelberg should beg for, from the Divine Mercy, implying a quality of patience and endurance.[8] (2) The long-suffering is of Heaven, through which the wonderful gift of God will be conferred upon Edwin, the king.[9]