The Role of Kṣānti

Among the six paramitas of a Bodhisattva, one is the paramita of forbearance. What is the purpose of cultivating forbearance? Some say it is used to subdue thoughts; some say it is used to subdue anger; some say it is used to shatter attachments to appearances; some say it is used to accumulate blessings, eliminate karmic obstacles, and tame the self; some say it is used to detach from appearances and free the mind from attachments; some say it is used to accord harmoniously with all sentient beings; some say it is used to nurture and increase compassion; some say it is used to guide and elicit prajna wisdom; some say it is used to endure the humiliation inflicted by others and cultivate the practice of selflessness; some say it is used to eradicate the four notions. All these statements are valid, and they should be integrated to present a comprehensive understanding.