Yes, whether we realise it or not, anger is a very big enemy. Lord Krishna has warned about it in many verses in the Bhagavad Gita, especially in verse 16.21, when He described it as a door to hell. Anger is that harmful. Surprisingly, some of us think anger is a necessary tool to be used on others. It can be, if it is controlled, which it hardly ever is. The common manifestation is anger taking possession, with eyes turning red and foul words streaming out of the mouth. Some of us take pride in getting angry; how dangerous anger is!
Other characteristics of anger — the ever-present enemy — include the absence of any warning. It makes its dreaded appearance, and we are completely helpless about it. Even people mainly in the mode of goodness — the highest — are guilty of losing control over themselves. The example of Durvasa Muni is a well-known one. Anger is most difficult to get rid of, even more so than lust, if that is possible.
There are several causes for anger to appear. The first one must be inconvenience of some sort. Who wants to be inconvenienced? Overstress is a close second. One is likely to get angry when the pressure is high. Then, the opulence of power makes one use this bad emotion on others willingly. Anyone or even anything can fall prey to it. Others also do their part by inciting anger through unpleasant actions.
There are many harms caused by anger. The first one must be the loss of peace of mind. Bodily signs appear besides red eyes and foul words; one is even ready with threatening gestures. Blood pressure goes up; doctors warn about it. Acidity is a sure giveaway that anger is ruling. I check myself as soon as I begin to feel uneasy. Except in the case of controlled anger with someone near and dear, there is no benefit in getting angry.
How, then, should we deal with this formidable enemy? The first step for me is to seek guidance and help from God — who else? Silent chanting of Krishna, Krishna, Krishna… follows, or should follow, for me. We are habituated to blaming others for our troubles; we forget that, out of the three sources of problems, the self is the major offender. Others and natural forces are distant seconds in this duhkhalaya (place of misery, 8.15).
I find forgiving to be the best antidote to anger. I have realised that to forgive is divine. I watch myself because I don’t wish to create more bad ‘karmaphalas’ (results of acts) than I already have. I try to be careful to react in a proper way, though I am quite frequently unsuccessful. This is part of my routine for self-improvement. Isn’t it wise to control anger? All said and done, my battle against anger continues. Please get started now, not later; it is an uphill task to be able to control anger.
The writer is a spiritual teacher and a popular columnist; Views presented are personal.