Shantideva (ca. 685 – 763 CE) was an Indian philosopher and Buddhist monk. There are few details about his life, but he is said to have been born in the region of Gujarat and educated at Nalanda, the ‘great monastery’ located near modern day Patna.

Those who cause me suffering
Are like Buddhas bestowing their blessings.
Since they lead me to liberating paths
Why should I get angry with them?

“Don’t they obstruct your virtuous practice?”
No! There is no virtuous practice greater than patience;
Therefore I will never get angry
With those who cause me suffering.

If, because of my own shortcomings,
I do not practice patience with my enemy
It is not he, but I, who prevents me from practicing patience.

Translation by Neal Eliot and Gehse Kelsang Gyatso