BROADCASTS.com

This episode explores the question \u201cWhere does anger come from?\u201d Buddhist teacher, JoAnn Fox, also provides several practical ways to prevent anger from arising (when it typically would)!\xa0

Anger doesn\u2019t come from another person or a situation. Anger comes from our thoughts. Specifically, when we pay inappropriate attention to an unpleasant object and dwell on its faults, we work ourselves up until anger arises. That point at which anger is manifest is when the mind is unpeaceful and uncontrolled.\xa0

A very sad aspect of anger is that this mental state has the wish to harm. The intention to harm is the nature of anger, just as the nature of fire is to burn. We don\u2019t want to harm those we love and cherish, but when we\u2019re angry that mind wants to harm them. That makes Buddha\u2019s advice to turn \u201c away from the intent to harm\u201d and not \u201cset anger loose\u201d so important for all our relationships.\xa0

The first step in solving an anger problem is to admit we have one and decide we must do something about it. Lama Zopa Rinpoche gave this advice to a person who worked as a driver for a Dharma center. The driver complained of being very angry with his family and asked Rinpoche for some mantras to help him. Lama Zopa\u2019s response began:

\u201cMy dear one,

You have recognized that anger arising is not good and that you must do something about it. You\u2019re responsible for stopping that problem. Even this is progression toward peace and happiness.\u201d

How beautiful and powerful is this first discovery and the wish to change!

One should not strike a brahmin\xa0

And a brahmin should not set [anger] loose.\xa0

Shame on the one who hits a brahmin\xa0

And greater shame on the one who sets [anger] loose. (389)*\xa0

For the brahmin, nothing is better\xa0

Than restraining the mind\xa0

From what it cherishes.\xa0

Whenever one turns away from the intent to harm,\xa0

Suffering is allayed. (390)

\u2014Buddha, The Dhammapada

Reference with Link

Buddha.The Dhammapada. Translated by Gil Fronsdale. (Kindle). Shambala, Boston and London, 2011, pp. 78\xa0(Link)

Find us at the links below:\xa0

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Buddhismforeveryone

Facebook Group: Join our private group at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/sanghatalk/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/buddhism.with.joann.fox

Website: Buddhismforeveryone.com

\xa0