A Collection of Buddhist Wisdom Verses - Ancient Buddhist Texts

20: Faults
Jā 522 Sarabhaṅgajātakaṁ
Patience with Rough Speech
Sakka and other gods come to consult with the
Bodhisatta. He asks questions and these are the
replies.
386. Kodhaṁ vadhitvā na kadāci socati,
Makkhappahānaṁ isayo vaṇṇayanti,
Sabbesaṁ vuttaṁ pharusaṁ khametha,
Etaṁ khantiṁ uttamam-āhu santo.
Having destroyed anger one does not grieve,
Abandoning ingratitude sages praise,
He should be patient with harsh and rough speech,
Good people say: This patience is supreme.
387. Bhayā hi seṭṭhassa vaco khametha,
Sārambhahetu pana sādisassa,
Yo cīdha hīnassa vaco khametha,
Etaṁ khantiṁ uttamam-āhu santo.
Through fear be patient with superiors,
Through fear of quarelling towards equals,
But being patient with inferiors,
Good people say: This patience is supreme.
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