Overcoming Anger

Anger is a phenomenon, which often impels one to behave in an abominable manner, thus having a direct effect on the physiological, emotional and family relationships of an individual.

Gauranga Das, youth preacher, ISKCON

The causes of anger Enjoyment Attitude – One has unlimited desires and unlimited ideas to satisfy these desires.   Egocentric attitude – Thinking to be the controller one feels he can satisfy his desires. Frustrated Attitude – Krishna says in the Bhagavad Gita, 'When this desire is frustrated it results in anger." (BG3.37)   Solution – control and conquer The six steps to control anger are Patiently – Anger is like a force (Vega) and it takes time to control. So one has to be patient. Privately – In case of a dispute, one should try to resolve it by discussing amongst a few confidential people, instead of making it a public issue. Prudently – Words have the power to hurt or heal, to bless or burn. In fact Chanakya Pandit says, "Money, friends and relatives, and family members reside at the tip of the tongue." Powerfully –"It is important that one uses anger in the right way, at the right person, for the right purpose for the right period of time," says Aristotle. Just as Hanumanji uprooted the whole city of Lanka as an act of service to Sri Rama, one can channelise one's anger towards those who are against dharma, who are opposing the principles of righteousness. Positively – By developing positive relationships the anger related tendencies will gradually fade away. Personally – At a personal level, one should know that this anger is nothing but one's response to a particular event and so one should not blame others.   Conquering Anger – 1.        First recognize anger 2.        After recognizing repent sincerely, for repentance burns down all the sins 3.        Resist the influence of anger 4.        Realise one's incompetence to conquer anger and thus depend on the higher powers of the Lord   Solution- ABCD of Anger Management   Physical – A nalyse the mind body connection ?         Drink a glass of cold water ?         Slow down the breathing process ?         Abstain from stimulating foods like intoxicants and meat eating ?         Avoid passionate habits like illicit sex and try to practice celibacy   Mental Befriend your causes of anger ?          Develop a sense of humour and a right perspective ?          Balance the energy flow by talking less and relaxing ?          Banish negative thoughts and act positively   Intellectual C onsider the harmful effects of anger on mind, body, family and society ?         Contemplate the blessings of a non-irritable nature and consider how one can be harmonious and achieve happiness through this ?         Convert the spirit of vengeance, which leads to self-destruction into a force of self-development. Learn to forgive   Spiritual D iscuss spiritual topics with saintly personalities assimilating the virtual essence by hearing and chanting ?         Discriminate between reality and illusion ?         Discover the virtues of tolerance, humility, forgiveness, pridelessness by chanting the Lord's name regularly and by passing this message onto others. This is sure to transform anybody's heart