When we indulge in anger, backbiting and creating demoralization, then even if we have all the amenities and comforts of life, we still have no life.
We must learn to LOVE so that we can learn to LIVE.
An angry person creates a suffocating atmosphere whereas a peaceful and tranquil person gives happiness to the atmosphere. Even psychologists say that an angry man is more dangerous than even a mad man! So, devotees make man aware of all such virtues, which he should adopt while living his life in the world. Most of us experience anger in some form or other almost every day. Anger is a negative emotion; it can cause violence, it can ruin relationships, it can lead to serious illnesses and it is known to kill. Yet, few make the effort to try and overcome this emotion. So anger continues to affect millions worldwide.
As children, we are taught to contain anger. An angry child is asked to be quiet. This is the conventional approach. As a result, the anger is suppressed. When we are angry and we try to appear as though we’re not, we are in effect masking the emotion. Children throw tantrums — an expression of anger — and get rid of the discomfort. Grown-ups on the other hand end up bottling it within. So the negativity gets buried deeper and deeper into the unconscious. Expression and suppression of anger, in the final analysis, are both injurious to health — to the individual, as well as to the community. Many of us are edgy and nervous, and could explode at the slightest pro-vocation. This could eventually lead to a nervous breakdown.
Anger impacts our body in several ways. Angry people are more likely to suffer from high blood pressure, hypertension and cardiac diseases. Very hostile persons are especially susceptible to life-threatening stress-related disorders. Negative emotions like anger tend to release harmful toxins in the body.
Angry outbursts lead to chain reactions. Angry reactions help perpetuate violence. It is important to first admit the fact to ourselves that: yes, we do lose our temper now and then, especially when under stress. That is the first step to help us overcome the emotion. After an angry outburst, we either regret it or try and justify it. Strangely, though, most of us somehow manage to rein in the urge to express anger when we know it could lead to a disastrous situation like losing a job, relative or friend. Whether we are angry with someone or someone is angry with us, each outburst takes its toll on both parties. Once Buddha was sitting on the bank of a river and a man came and spat at him. Enraged, Buddha’s disciples sought his permission to punish the insolent intruder. Gently wiping his face, Buddha thanked the man for giving him the opportunity to test if anger could overpower him. Buddha requested him to come again whenever he had an urge to spit.
Buddha’s response shook the offender. He had acted deliberately to outrage the Buddha and had failed. The Enlightened One’s calm face and compassionate eyes haunted him. Unable to forgive himself, early next morning the man fell at the Buddha’s feet and cried for forgiveness. Pointing to the flowing water Buddha asked him to forget it, as it was past.
To be a Buddha means to be in a state of awareness. True to his name, he did not react. The visitor realized that Buddha had meditated for several years to transcend the ego and had attained a realized state. Tears rolled down his eyes and he was transformed. We can derive inspiration from this story to try and overcome anger.
Always Remember: WHEN U R RIGHT, THERE IS NO NEED TO BE ANGRY. WHEN U R WRONG, U HAVE NO RIGHT TO BE ANGRY. |