12.115
Yudhiṣṭhira said.
O Bhārata, when a wise person is insulted in the assembly by an arrogant fool or by someone who is gentle yet harsh, how should he respond, O subduer of enemies?
Bhīṣma said.
O king, listen as this meaning is recited: The wise always endures here the consequences of a man of little understanding.
One who does not become angry while being tormented attains merit; and even if a patient person becomes angry at his own misdeed, he indeed removes it.
One who is hated by the world, like a distressed lapwing crying out, is ignored and achieves nothing fruitful.
Thus he always boasts of that sinful deed. This was said by me, someone respected in the public assembly. There, he stands, ashamed, dried up, as if dead.
A shameless person who praises himself for actions that are not worthy of praise is to be disregarded by the self-restrained; such a one is the lowest among men.
Whatever a person of little intellect says should always be tolerated; for what can an ordinary person, whether he praises or criticizes, actually do? In the forest, a crow, or a fool, or one who merely hopes, acts to no purpose.
If words are used by one who acts with evil intent, then for him, the meaning is only in the words; truly, there is no real meaning for one who seeks to harm.
He describes the reverse emission with circular movement, like a peacock dancing and displaying its loincloth.
A pure person, for whom there is nothing unspeakable or improper in the world, should not speak words with impure actions.
A person who praises virtues to one's face but criticizes behind the back is, in the world of men, like one whose connection to society is lost, akin to living among dogs.
Whatever a person of such kind gives or offers, even if it is to a hundred people, if he destroys it by secrecy and slander, he loses it instantly.
Therefore, a wise person should at once shun someone of such evil mind, just as the virtuous avoid dog’s flesh.
When a wicked person slanders a great soul, he only reveals his own faults, just as a serpent displays its raised hood.
One who wishes to oppose a person engaged in his own duties, like a foolish donkey, sinks in the dust just as a heap of ashes does.
One should abandon a person who, like a wolf in a human dwelling, is never at peace, who is always involved in slandering people, and who, like a mad elephant, roars uncontrollably—just as one would abandon a very fierce dog.
Let there be condemnation for that evil-minded man who, existing on the path joined with the unsteady, has evil departed from self-restraint and humility, always has the conduct of an enemy, and desires misfortune.
But when you are addressed again by these, do not become distressed. Those of steady intellect censure the association of the high with the low.
If angry, one may strike with a tenth part, or sprinkle with dust or husks, or terrify by baring the teeth; indeed, this is effective with a fool who is enraged and cruel.
Whoever, in an assembly, endures reproach inflicted by a most wicked person, and always recites this example, never receives any unpleasant speech.
