The Possession of Patience, Forbearance
Akazhvaaraith Thaangum Nilampolath Thammai / Ikazhvaarp Poruththal Thalai
Classical English couplet — “As earth bears up the men who delve into her breast,To bear with scornful men of virtues is the best”
What it says in plain words
“The earth supports even the people who dig into it. In the same way, patience with those who insult us is a great quality.”
The classical Tamil reading
தன்னை வெட்டுவோரையும் விழாமல் தாங்குகின்ற நிலம் போல், தம்மை இகழ்வாரையும் பொறுப்பதே தலையான பண்பாகும்
An expanded Tamil interpretation
தன்மீது குழி பறிப்போரையே தாங்குகின்ற பூமியைப் போல் தம்மை இகழ்ந்து பேசுகிறவர்களின் செயலையும் பொறுத்துக் கொள்வதே தலைசிறந்த பண்பாகும்
The ethical and philosophical heart
The earth keeps holding people up, even while they dig into it. This shows us what patience when others insult us can look like. At home or work, hurtful words can lead to more hurtful words. Bearing those words calmly helps us avoid adding to the hurt.
In personal life, work and society
- Personal
- When a friend mocks your clothes, you answer without insulting them.
- Workplace
- When a coworker laughs at your mistake, you explain calmly.
- Family
- When your sibling calls you foolish, you pause before answering.
- Society
- When someone insults you at a community meeting, you respond calmly.
How to apply this today
- Decision-making
- Pause after an insult before choosing how to respond.
- Integrity
- Keep treating people respectfully, even when they mock you.
- Communication
- Answer hurtful words calmly rather than sending hurtful words back.
- Leadership
- Show patience when someone speaks rudely about your decisions.
- Governance
- Listen patiently when people express complaints in insulting ways.
For leaders and teams
Show patience in the face of insults when people speak harshly. Your calm response gives others an example they can follow.
Something to sit with
“What would a patient response look like in a difficult conversation today?”