Section LXXIX

"Sukra continued,

'Know, then, O Devayani, that he that minds not the evil speeches of others, conquers everything! The wise say that he is a true charioteer who without slackening holds tightly the reins of his horses. He, therefore, is the true man that subdues, without indulging in his rising wrath. Know you, O Devayani, that by him is everything conquered, who calmly subdues his rising anger.

He is regarded as a man who by having recourse to forgiveness, shakes off his rising anger like a snake casting off its slough He that suppresses his anger, he that regards not the evil speeches of others, he that becomes not angry, though there be cause, certainly acquires the four objects for which we live (viz., virtue, profit, desire, and salvation).

Between him that performs without fatigue sacrifices every month for a hundred years, and him that never feels angry at anything, he that feels not wrath is certainly the higher. Boys and girls, unable to distinguish between right and wrong, quarrel with each other. The wise never imitate them.'

Devayani, on hearing this speech of her father, said,

'O father, I know, also what the difference is between anger and forgiveness as regards the power of each. But when a disciple behaves disrespectfully, he should never be forgiven by the preceptor if the latter is really desirous of benefiting the former. Therefore, I do not desire to live any longer in a country where evil behaviour is at a premium.

The wise man desirous of good, should not dwell among those sinfully inclined men who always speak ill of good behaviour and high birth. But there should one live,—indeed, that has been said to be the best of dwelling places,—where good behaviour and purity of birth are known and respected.

The cruel words uttered by Vrishaparvan’s daughter burn my heart even as men, desirous of kindling a fire, burn the dry fuel. I do not think anything more miserable for a man in the three worlds than to adore one’s enemies blessed with good fortune, himself possessing none. It has been indeed said by the learned that for such a man even death would be better.'"