|| Shri Hari ||

How to Overcome Anger

Just as you learn to keep accounts, and when you learn the key elements of accounting then tracking becomes very easy. Similarly there is a main point, the key element, the root of every question, and if you learn this then the answer to that question will automatically come to you. The question that has come is that how to overcome anger? Then the question really is, where does anger come from? Gita says -

“Anger comes from desire” -

“kaamaatkrodhaayabhijaayate”

(Gita 2/62).

What is that anger? Human beings have understood that “desires are for money, wealth, grandeur, power, etc.” - These are also desires, but what is the main desire?

“This should happen and this should not happen” -

The name of this subtle want is called “desire”. First you hold on to the point that “this should certainly happen” and when that does not happen, then you become angry.  And “This should not happen” and when someone does that or does something opposing to your wishes, then you get angry. This should happen and this should not happen, this is the root of all anger. There is no gain in desiring that it should happen like this, or it should not happen like this; because will the world ask us before doing something? Will they do according to your liking? You want from your wife, son and servant that they should listen to you, then do they not wish the same of you? If they have nothing on their mind then they will do as you say, but in their minds too there is that thought that “ I will do it this way or not do it this way” then how will they listen only to you? When you too are not willing to listen to them regarding how they want things done, then what rights do you have that they should listen to your ways? Therefore when the feeling arises within that “This should happen like this and it should not happen like this” - then leave the insistence that the person should do it like that alone. In this insistence is your pride, in other words, I am greater, therefore he should listen to me. This pride of greatness is the main cause, and when things do not happen the way you want, then that pride itself comes in the form of anger.

to be continued...............

‒ From book “Art of Living” in English  by Swami Ramsukhdasji