Patience enables us to achieve what we once thought 

could never be ours.

Patience enables us to endure what those who are unable to practice it would normally find upsetting. These include physical discomfort, insults, and setbacks in one’s practice. 

Patience enables us to understand that such things are the karmic results of the thoughts and behaviors we committed. With insight, we will begin to realize that becoming angry rather than remaining calm and quiet will create enmities. New enmities will further deter the building of Dharma relationships, affinities that will allow us to teach the Dharma to others once we are born in the Pure Land and uncover our innate abilities. 

Patience is not just about endurance. 

Or about awaiting better conditions. Because irritations and setbacks test our patience, they are opportunities to deepen it, which, in turn, will help us advance on the path to liberation.