The very first lesson that was taught to every student in ancient India was: Satyam vada, krodham maakuru. Always speak the truth and never yield to anger! This is the teaching that needs to be passed on to every student: “Always speak the truth; and howsoever strong the provocation, never yield to anger.”
There are three ways of handling anger. There is, firstly, the way of expression. Psychiatrists tell us that it is good to express anger. Expression gives you relief, for you get some satisfaction at having given a piece of your mind to the other person. This relief, however, is temporary. Resentments build up again, and you are ready for another spill out. Gradually, anger becomes a habit; a time comes when you become a slave to anger. You are controlled by anger; and anger is a terrible master. I read concerning a mother. In a mood of anger, she threw her own child into the fire! Expression of anger is not the right way. Expression is very much like a cyst. You have it operated upon and get relief for some time; but the cyst gets filled up again, and you are in for another operation.
The right way is the way of forgiveness, of patience and forbearance. Forgive, and be free!
Comments