Tirukural

CHAPTER 16

Possession of Forbearance

151

Just as the Earth bears those who dig into her, it is best to bear with those who despise us.§

152

It is always good to endure injuries done to you, but to forget them is even better.§

153

It is impoverished poverty to be inhospitable to guests. It is stalwart strength to be patient with fools.§

154

Desiring that greatness should never cease, let one’s conduct foster forbearance.§

155

Worthless are those who injure others vengefully, while those who stoically endure are like stored gold.§

156

The joy of the vengeful lasts only for a day, but the glory of the forbearing lasts until the end of time.§

157

Though unjustly aggrieved, it is best to suffer the suffering and refrain from unrighteous retaliation.§

158

Let a man conquer by forbearance those who in their arrogance have wronged him.§

159

Those who patiently endure rude remarks possess the rare purity of an ascetic.§

160

Great are those who suffer fasting’s hardships; yet they are surpassed by those who suffer hard words.§