Once, the Blessed One was staying at the Squirrels' Sanctuary in the Bamboo Grove near Rajagaha. The brahmin Asura King Bharadvaja heard: "It is said that a brahmin of the Bharadvaja clan has left household life and become a homeless one under the ascetic Gotama." Angered and displeased by this, he went to where the Blessed One was. Upon arrival, he insulted and rebuked the Blessed One with rude, harsh words.

When he spoke thus, the Blessed One remained silent.

Then the brahmin Asura King Bharadvaja said to the Blessed One: "You are defeated, ascetic! You are defeated, ascetic!"

The Blessed One responded in verse:

"The fool thinks victory comes

Through speaking harsh words;

But for those who understand,

Patient endurance is true victory.

One who returns anger with anger

Makes things worse for oneself;

Not returning anger with anger,

One wins a battle hard to win.

He works for the welfare of both,

His own and the other's;

When others are angry,

One who remains mindfully calm.

He is a healer of both,

Himself and the other;

People think him a fool,

Those who don't understand Dhamma."

Having heard these words, the brahmin Asura King Bharadvaja said to the Blessed One: "Wonderful, Master Gotama!... I take refuge in Master Gotama, the Dhamma, and the Sangha. May Master Gotama accept me as a lay follower from this day forward for life."

And later, the Venerable Bharadvaja became one of the Arahants.

Analysis of the Deep Dharma Wisdom:

1. Background Context:

   The text describes Buddha teaching in Rajagaha. A brahmin's anger at his clansman's conversion reflects the traditional Indian society's resistance to new thoughts.

2. Contrast between Anger and Silence:

   The brahmin's harsh words versus Buddha's silence demonstrates Buddha's wisdom. Silence here represents strength and inner peace, not weakness.

3. Buddha's Response:

   Instead of arguing, Buddha responds with verses that reveal his wisdom and teaching method, using philosophical words to enlighten.

4. Deeper Meaning of the Verses:

   - True victory lies in inner cultivation and patience, not verbal confrontation

   - Responding to anger with anger only creates a negative cycle

   - True wisdom considers both self and others' welfare

   - Apparent weakness in forbearance is actually higher wisdom and strength

5. The Brahmin's Transformation:

   His complete change from anger to devotion shows the power of Dharma and truth's impact on the human heart.

6. Final Achievement:

   The brahmin's eventual attainment of Arahantship shows that even hostile individuals can achieve enlightenment through proper guidance.

Key Insights:

1. Silent wisdom often proves more powerful than heated argument in conflicts

2. True victory means resolving conflicts harmoniously, not defeating others

3. Anger stems from ignorance; understanding and wisdom can dissolve negative emotions

4. Everyone has potential for enlightenment, even initially hostile people

5. True wisdom transforms both self and others, creating lasting impact

This story teaches us that maintaining inner peace and responding wisely to hostility can not only resolve conflicts but guide others to higher understanding. It encourages cultivating patience, wisdom, and compassion in daily life to face challenges and conflicts positively.