The Function of Forbearance (kṣānti)

Among the bodhisattva's six pāramitās, one is the pāramitā of forbearance (kṣānti). What is the practice of forbearance for? Some say it is used to subdue the mind's thoughts; some say it is used to subdue anger; some say it is used to break through marks; some say it is used to accumulate merit, dissolve karmic obstructions, and tame the self; some say it is used to detach from marks so that the mind dwells nowhere; some say it is used to constantly accord with sentient beings; some say it is used to nurture compassion; some say it is used to guide and give rise to prajñā wisdom; some say it is used to endure others' insults and cultivate the practice of no-self; and some say it is used to break through the four marks. All of these explanations are correct; they should be stated together in a comprehensive way, and then the picture is complete.