From the Mahabharata, Santi Parva, Sec. LXXXI
Narada said:
Use a weapon that is not made of steel, that is very mild, and yet capable of piercing all hearts. Sharpening and resharpening that weapon correct the tongues of your kinsmen.
The giving of food to the best of your power, forgiveness, sincerity, mildness, and honour to whom honour is due, these constitute a weapon that is not made of steel. With soft words alone turn away the anger of kinsmen about to utter cruel speeches, and mollify their hearts and minds and slanderous tongues.
Nothing but intelligence and forgiveness, restraint of the senses, and liberality are present in a person of wisdom.
Answered by
GANGA .
, an ibibo Master,
at
6:56 PM on April 23, 2009