The Awakened call patience the highest penance, long-suffering the highest Nirvana.

According to the Dhammapada, the Awakened, the Buddhas, say that the highest asceticism is forbearing patience, and that the true anchorite (pravragita, one who has left the world for the religious life) and the true ascetic (sramana) are those who cause no harm or pain to anyone. Today, when something irritates you, give yourself the time of three breaths before answering, and choose a reply that hurts no one.