You Cannot Throw Anger Out, It Must Dissolve Into You – Ancient Hindu Teaching – Modern Day Relevance
The phrase "You cannot throw anger out, it must dissolve into you" embodies a profound concept rooted in Hindu philosophy and teachings. This wisdom emphasizes the necessity of understanding and integrating negative emotions like anger rather than attempting to suppress or forcibly discard them. This teaching is not just a psychological insight but also a spiritual directive that aligns with the broader Hindu understanding of emotions, self-awareness, and spiritual growth.
Understanding Anger in Hindu Philosophy
In Hinduism, emotions such as anger are considered natural aspects of the human experience. The Bhagavad Gita, one of the most revered texts in Hindu philosophy, discusses the concept of krodha (anger) extensively. Lord Krishna, in his discourse to Arjuna, emphasizes that anger arises from unfulfilled desires and attachments, leading to a loss of reason and discernment. In Chapter 2, Verse 63 of the Bhagavad Gita, Krishna states:
"Krodhād bhavati sammohaḥ, sammohāt smṛiti-vibhramaḥ,
smṛiti-bhraṁśād buddhi-nāśo, buddhi-nāśāt praṇaśyati."
Translation: "From anger arises delusion; from delusion, bewilderment of memory; when memory is bewildered, intelligence is lost; and when intelligence is lost, one falls down again into the material pool."
This verse illustrates how anger can cloud judgment, disrupt memory, and lead to actions that can be detrimental to one's spiritual and material life. Therefore, rather than discarding anger, one should understand its source, observe it, and allow it to dissolve naturally through self-awareness and spiritual practices.
The Process of Dissolving Anger
The dissolution of anger involves self-reflection and understanding its root cause. Here are a few Hindu practices and concepts that aid in this process:
Self-Reflection (Svādhyāya): Svādhyāya, or self-study, is a key aspect of yoga and Hindu practice. It involves introspection and self-examination to understand one's emotions, including anger. By reflecting on the reasons for anger, whether it stems from ego, insecurity, or desire, one can begin to see it more objectively and diminish its power.
Non-Attachment (Vairāgya): Hindu philosophy teaches the importance of non-attachment. The Bhagavad Gita advocates for performing duties without attachment to the results (Karma Yoga). This detachment reduces the ego and desire-driven anger that arises when expectations are not met.
Forgiveness (Kṣamā): Forgiveness is another virtue extolled in Hindu scriptures. The practice of forgiveness allows one to release the burden of anger and resentment. The Mahabharata states, "Forgiveness is virtue; forgiveness is sacrifice; forgiveness is the Vedas; forgiveness is the Shruti. Forgiveness protecteth the ascetic merit of the future; forgiveness is asceticism; forgiveness is holiness; and by forgiveness is it that the universe is held together." (Mahabharata, Book 3: Vana Parva, Section XXIX).
Meditation (Dhyāna): Meditation is a powerful tool for calming the mind and observing emotions like anger without attachment. In the practice of meditation, one learns to witness emotions rather than identifying with them, allowing them to pass without reaction.
Mantra Chanting: Chanting mantras, especially those dedicated to peace and calmness, like the Shanti Mantra, can help in soothing the mind and dissolving negative emotions. The Shanti Mantra, which is a prayer for peace, is recited to bring about calmness and equilibrium.
Stories Illustrating the Concept
The Story of Sage Vishwamitra: Sage Vishwamitra is a prominent example from Hindu mythology that illustrates the destructive nature of anger and the need for self-control. Originally a king, Vishwamitra was known for his temper and ambition. His anger led to numerous conflicts with Sage Vashishtha, and despite his powerful penances, his anger often resulted in his undoing. Over time, through intense meditation and self-discipline, Vishwamitra overcame his anger, achieved self-realization, and was eventually recognized as a Brahmarishi. This transformation highlights the journey of anger being dissolved rather than expelled.
Lord Shiva and His Third Eye: In Hindu mythology, Lord Shiva is often depicted as having a third eye on his forehead, which symbolizes higher consciousness and the ability to see beyond the superficial. The third eye also represents the destruction of evil and ignorance. In one story, when Shiva opens his third eye in anger, it is to destroy Kama, the god of desire. This act of destruction is not out of mere wrath but is an allegory for the transformation of base desires into higher consciousness. Shiva's anger is not blind fury; it is the focused energy of transformation. This underscores the idea that anger, when understood and harnessed, can lead to greater awareness and transformation.
The Story of Dhruva: In the Vishnu Purana, Dhruva, a young prince, becomes angry after being insulted by his stepmother. Instead of letting his anger consume him, he channels it into a rigorous penance to Lord Vishnu. His anger dissolves into devotion, and he attains the blessings of the divine. This story illustrates how anger can be transformed into a positive force when directed toward a higher purpose.
Modern-Day Relevance
In today's fast-paced world, where stress and frustration are common, the teaching that "anger must dissolve into you" has significant relevance:
Emotional Intelligence: Modern psychology echoes the ancient Hindu insight that emotions should not be repressed but understood and integrated. Emotional intelligence involves recognizing, understanding, and managing our own emotions and those of others. This is remarkably similar to the Hindu approach of self-awareness and dissolution of negative emotions through understanding.
Mindfulness Practices: The contemporary practice of mindfulness, which encourages observing emotions without judgment, mirrors the Hindu practice of self-awareness and meditation. Both approaches advocate for a non-reactive state of mind where one can observe anger and allow it to pass without becoming overwhelmed.
Therapeutic Techniques: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and other therapeutic methods often focus on understanding the root causes of emotions like anger, similar to the Hindu teaching of examining the causes of negative emotions. By recognizing these roots, one can better manage and transform these emotions.
Conflict Resolution: In professional and personal relationships, understanding and dissolving anger rather than reacting impulsively can lead to more constructive outcomes. This is especially relevant in leadership and teamwork, where emotional regulation is crucial for effective communication and problem-solving.
Quotes from Hindu Scriptures on Anger
Bhagavad Gita 16.21: "There are three gates leading to this hell—lust, anger, and greed. Every sane man should give these up, for they lead to the degradation of the soul."
Manusmriti 7.47: "Anger is a cruel vice; it is a sin; it is a wrong committed. It blinds reason, leads to injury and ultimately, it makes a person unhappy."
Yoga Vasistha: "An angry man, through anger, becomes blind. The intellect of such a person turns away from the good. A person controlled by anger loses consciousness and cannot distinguish right from wrong."
Importance and Lesser-Known Information
Spiritual Growth: Anger, when examined and understood, can be a catalyst for spiritual growth. It often reveals attachments and desires that one needs to transcend to progress on the spiritual path.
Concept of Rasa in Hinduism: In Hindu aesthetics, rasa refers to the emotional flavors or sentiments that art and drama can evoke. One of the nine rasas is raudra (the sentiment of anger). This suggests that even negative emotions like anger have a place in human experience and can contribute to a fuller understanding of life.
Anger and Ayurvedic Doshas: According to Ayurveda, an ancient Indian system of medicine, anger is primarily associated with the Pitta dosha, which is related to fire and heat. Balancing Pitta through diet, lifestyle, and herbs can help manage anger and reduce its negative effects on the mind and body.
The teaching that "anger must dissolve into you" is a profound insight from Hindu philosophy that continues to resonate in modern times. It encourages a deeper understanding of oneself and one's emotions, fostering a path of self-awareness, transformation, and spiritual growth. By integrating this teaching into our daily lives, we can cultivate emotional resilience, achieve inner peace, and enhance our relationships with others.