There is a character found in Chapter 20 of the Lotus Sutra, known as Bodhisattva Never Disparaging who had an unskillful (up to the point of annoying) way to practice the Dharma - to speak the words:
"I would never disparage you, because you are certain to attain Buddhahood!"
Or as put in the song
Our Hero by the
Dharma Cowboys:
"I would never disparage you or keep you at arm's length
Where you only see your weaknesses, I only see your strength
I would never despise you or put you down in any way
Because it's clear to me
I can plainly see
You'll be a buddha someday
I love you."
While certainly being a pleasant sentiment it is still being a bit cryptic about how this idea can be practiced.
Resilience
The mental resilience to be unashamed and unwavering in practice, even in the face of great adversity.
Example - In this case, The Bodhisattva was cursed and reviled by others who lack understanding of the unique practices he was taking.
Actionable point - Trusting in the path we are taking, either by - as Buddhists - taking refuge in the Triple Gem or in different contexts simply trusting in those that can help and that have done similar things before.
Discipline
The discipline to stick with a seemingly hopeless practice long enough to see the fruits of his previous labors.
Example - Never Disparaging bore the curses of others patiently while perfecting the practice he was undertaking.
Actionable Point - When we stop to think that all hope is lost and start looking for ways out, we can easily find one. The people who can do difficult things often start by working out precisely how difficult it truly is for them, at that time, in their skin - and working to make it easier for them - moment by moment. It's easy to find hope if you never lose it to begin with. It's easier to keep going if you never stop.
Ability
Selecting a task that is "do-able" but still challenging - and often challenging for very different reasons than you would have originally thought.
Example - Never Disparaging selected to say a phrase to each person he would meet, some commentators suggest it was only those he was introduced to, others portray him as a madman repeating a phrase to all who would listen!
Actionable Point - Selecting a suitably challenging task is a challenging task in itself! You will get it wrong, so learn to be okay with that. In a Buddhist context, you could choose to nod or bow - or just simply acknowledge and smile - to every image of the Buddha that you see. Or try to say "thank you" to everyone who helps you - or gives you a small kindness, no matter how small.
I personally find the most moving message hidden later in the Chapter - After gaining powers practicing the Dharma, Bodhisattva Never Disparaging would teach what he had learned to all who asked including those that were harsh to him while he was learning. Remembering how he had suffered during his learning, and being motivated by compassion (via Bodhicitta) the Bodhisattva never once mentioned the harm inflicted upon him during his training.
In this materialistic world with the mantra "more is more" is is humbling to note that even today:
Sometimes the greatest way to help is through the use of restraint.
