AN INTRODUCTION TO
THE STUDY OF TIRUVALLUVAR
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A Lecture by Prof.Avvai Duraisami Pillai
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Part – 19
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Another thing that upsets the mind of the disciplined householder is the insult inflicted by others. One can face any amount of praise; but it will be too unbearable for one to receive insults. Having been exasperated with undue insults, if a householder begins to retaliate, he loses his self-control and descends to the level of the person who insulted him either out of ignorance or foolishness. If a person wants to keep always his mind subservient to his will, he should guard his patience very zealously. If at all, any man resorts to retaliation, it will fetch him a satisfaction which will be momentary; but if he forgives the evildoer, all glory and honour will be then to him throughout the ages the world lives. Encouraged by the pride of immense wealth and exceeding valour, if the miscreant commits insult after insult, forbearance is the only weapon to conquer him decisively. Among the unpleasant words heard, those which cause insult are capable of destroying the peace of mind; Even ascetics of high order lose their control and punish the evildoers. If a house-holder bears with patience the insolent words thrown at him, he will be far greater than those noble ascetics.
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