2025

Khanti As A Competency In Dhamma

Author(s): Anil Dhale, Dr. Satyajeet Nanda

Abstract

Khanti as mentioned in Pāli literature is patience, forbearance and forgiveness. It is one of the pāramitās in Dhamma. Khanti or Patience is one of the ten perfections which are wholesome qualities and virtues to be cultivated by those striving towards eventual enlightenment. Khanti is not merely a passive endurance but it is an active choice to cultivate a clam and understanding mind in face of adversity and challenging situations. According to Cariyapittaka- Atthakatha, khanti has the characteristics of acceptance as its function is to endure both the desirable and undesirable and its manifestations is tolerance or non-opposition to the things seen as they are.
The Buddha also sometimes called this virtue forbearance (adhivàsanà), endurance (titikkhà) or long suffering (khama). Patience or forbearance is basically the Dhamma contrary to anger, which, also means adosa - absence of anger. It is similar to the essence of Mettā, loving-kindness. Sadatthaparama attha, khanti bhiyyo na vijjati." The gist of this Pali phrase is that of all the advantages, one's own benefits or interests, patience is the noblest. Among the best advantages, nothing excels the beneficial results of forbearance or endurance.
The Dhammasaṅgaṇī (section 1341), the first book of the Abhidhamma Piṭaka section of the Theravāda scriptural canon, defines the pāramitā as ‘That patience which is long-suffering, compliance, absence of rudeness and abruptness, contentment of heart’
The Buddha once said, there are two kinds of fools: one, the fool who never admits having done wrong; and two, and the fool who, when presented with a righteous and sincere apology, refuses to accept it. Forgive others no because they deserve forgiveness, but because you deserve peace.
It is pertinent to understand some of the vital references found in Dhammapada, Jataka and Sutta referring to the importance of Khanti.