Section – D
Summary in English – Tolerance
In this passage, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar challenges the popular belief that tolerance is a virtue. According to him, tolerance and even acceptance are not ideal attitudes. Tolerance, he argues, involves a hidden dislike and a sense of judgment. It’s not genuine because it can easily turn into hatred or conflict. Similarly, acceptance implies that something is wrong or unpleasant, but you’re putting up with it anyway.
Instead of tolerating or accepting others, the better approach is to love them as they are, without judgment or separation. Love is unconditional and unifying, whereas tolerance and acceptance are based on mental resistance. True harmony comes not from mere tolerance but from deep understanding and love.
हिंदी में सारांश
इस लेख में श्री श्री रविशंकर ने बताया है कि ‘सहिष्णुता (tolerance)’ कोई सद्गुण नहीं, बल्कि यह एक नकारात्मक सोच है। जब हम किसी चीज़ को पसंद करते हैं, तो उसे सहन करने की आवश्यकता नहीं होती। सहन करना यह दर्शाता है कि अंदर ही अंदर कोई नापसंदगी या द्वेष छिपा हुआ है, जो किसी भी समय नफरत या टकराव में बदल सकता है।
इसी तरह, “स्वीकार करना (acceptance)” भी एक नकारात्मक प्रक्रिया है क्योंकि यह दर्शाता है कि हम सामने वाले को जज कर रहे हैं और फिर भी उसे मजबूरी में स्वीकार कर रहे हैं।
श्री श्री रविशंकर कहते हैं कि न तो लोगों को सहन करें और न ही उन्हें स्वीकार करें, बल्कि उन्हें जैसे हैं वैसे प्रेम करें। यही सच्चा समाधान है।
Word Meanings Table
Word | Meaning (English) | Meaning (Hindi) |
Tolerance | The ability to endure something you dislike | सहनशीलता / सहिष्णुता |
Virtue | A positive moral quality | सद्गुण |
Indicate | To point to or show something | संकेत देना |
Dislike | Not to like something | नापसंद |
Hatred | Intense dislike or ill will | घृणा |
Separateness | Being apart or disconnected | अलगाव |
Limitation | A restriction or boundary | सीमा / प्रतिबंध |
Temporary | Not lasting forever | अस्थायी |
Volcano | A symbol of hidden anger | ज्वालामुखी (छिपा हुआ गुस्सा) |
Acceptance | Agreeing to receive or tolerate something | स्वीकार करना |
Lovable | Easy to love | प्रिय / प्यारा |
Judgment | The ability to form an opinion | निर्णय / मूल्यांकन |
Consciousness | Awareness | चेतना |
Unconditional | Without conditions or limitations | बिना शर्त |
Resistance | Refusal to accept or comply | विरोध |
MCQs (Multiple Choice Questions)
- What does Sri Sri Ravi Shankar say about tolerance?
a) It is the highest virtue
b) It is a form of acceptance
c) It is a negative state of mind ✅
d) It brings peace - What can tolerance turn into, according to the passage?
a) Happiness
b) Hatred ✅
c) Joy
d) Friendship - According to the author, what should one do instead of tolerating?
a) Ignore others
b) Accept them
c) Love them as they are ✅
d) Change them - What does ‘acceptance’ imply in the passage?
a) Respect
b) Admiration
c) Judgment ✅
d) Gratitude - Which quality is preferred over tolerance and acceptance?
a) Forgiveness
b) Obedience
c) Love ✅
d) Silence
Short Questions and Answers
- Q: Why does the author consider tolerance a negative term?
A: Because it implies inner dislike, judgment, and a temporary mindset that can lead to hatred. - Q: What is the danger of tolerance, as per the passage?
A: It is like a potential volcano—it may erupt into conflict or hatred at any time. - Q: What does acceptance imply, according to the author?
A: Acceptance suggests that we are reluctantly agreeing with something we don’t truly like or respect. - Q: What is the author’s solution to dealing with differences among people?
A: To love people as they are, rather than tolerating or accepting them. - Q: How does love differ from tolerance or acceptance in this context?
A: Love is unconditional and non-judgmental, while tolerance and acceptance come with hidden resistance and separation.