The Possession of Patience, Forbearance
Thurandhaarin Thooimai Utaiyar Irandhaarvaai / Innaachchol Norkir Pavar
Classical English couplet — “They who transgressors' evil words endureWith patience, are as stern ascetics pure”
What it says in plain words
“Those who patiently bear cruel words show great inner goodness. They are like people who give up comforts for a life of self-control.”
The classical Tamil reading
வரம்பு கடந்து நடப்பவரின் வாயில் பிறக்கும் கொடுஞ்சொற்களைப் பொறுத்துக் கொள்பவர், துறந்தவரைப் போலத் தூய்மையானவர் ஆவர்.
An expanded Tamil interpretation
எல்லை கடந்து நடந்து கொள்பவர்களின் கொடிய சொற்களைப் பொறுத்துக் கொள்பவர்கள் தூய்மையான துறவிகளைப் போன்றவர்கள்
The ethical and philosophical heart
Cruel words can make us want to hurt someone back. This couplet honors patience in the face of cruelty. It compares such patience to the goodness of people who give up worldly comforts. Everyday moments at home or work can call for this same self-control.
In personal life, work and society
- Personal
- When a friend insults you, you answer without insulting them back.
- Workplace
- A customer speaks harshly, but you respond calmly to their complaint.
- Family
- When a relative makes a cruel remark, you pause before speaking.
- Society
- At a community meeting, you hear an insult without shouting back.
How to apply this today
- Decision-making
- Pause after hurtful words before choosing how to respond.
- Integrity
- Keep your own words kind, even when someone insults you.
- Communication
- Answer the issue calmly rather than returning a personal insult.
- Leadership
- Show others how to face harsh words without speaking cruelly.
- Governance
- Respond to angry public comments without insulting the people who make them.
For leaders and teams
Show self-control when words hurt, whether you lead at home or work. Your calm response can help others handle harsh words patiently.
Something to sit with
“When someone's words hurt you today, what could help you respond with patience?”