The Harmful Effects of Anger: Understanding Its Life Cycle and the Path to Peace
Mark Twain once said, “Anger is an acid that can do more harm to the vessel in which it is stored than to anything on which it is poured.” Anger never solves any problem or worry; rather, it makes us more stressed. It starts controlling our emotions and intelligence, and eventually leads us to self destruction.
To comprehend the full extent of anger’s impact, it’s essential to understand its life cycle. Anger often begins with attachment, a sense of entitlement, or envy. This metamorphosis is eloquently described in the Srimad Bhagavad Gita, Shlokas SBG 2:62-63:
Srimad Bhagavad Gita: 2:62-63 “A person who thinks of sense objects develops an attachment for them. From this attachment, desires are born and from desires, anger is born.
Anger gives birth to delusion and this delusion results in confusion of memory. When memory is confused, intelligence is destroyed, and from the destruction of intelligence, the person perishes.”
The Metamorphosis of Anger
Attachment: It all begins with the mind dwelling on sense objects. When we repeatedly think about something, we develop an attachment to it.
Desire: From attachment arises desire—the longing to possess or achieve what we are attached to.
Anger: When our desires are unfulfilled or obstructed, anger arises. This anger can be towards oneself, others, or circumstances.
Delusion: Anger clouds our judgment, leading to delusion. We start seeing things in a distorted manner, unable to perceive reality accurately.
Confusion of Memory: Delusion confuses our memory. We forget our principles, values, and past experiences that guide us in making rational decisions.
Destruction of Intelligence: With a confused memory, our intelligence, the ability to reason and discriminate, is destroyed.
Perdition: The final stage is the total destruction of the person. A life led by anger is a life of turmoil, leading to self-destruction.
The Solution: Vedanta
Vedanta offers a profound solution to the problem of anger and other mental afflictions. The Srimad Bhagavad Gita, a cornerstone of Vedanta, provides timeless wisdom to overcome anger and attain peace. By understanding and applying its teachings, we can transform our lives.
The Srimad Bhagavad Gita is the panacea for all mental problems, fears, worries, and confusions that stem from a lack of clarity or emotional thinking. It guides us to live a life of balance, understanding, and inner peace.
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Tavamithram Sarvada 