Akrodha - free from anger
- Abhishek
Anger, like insomnia, is one of the most significant burdens that we carry within us. There are innumerable books, lectures, videos and commentaries on how disruptive anger can be both physically and emotionally. Rage can be quick and visible, or it may be brick-walled behind several layers of resentful, sad and demoralizing emotions. Once we accept that it is human to get angry, it will be easier to deal with the sentiment.
Patience
Nothing works like practising patience when dealing with difficult people or situation. To practice patience is to hold back when you want to say something nasty or feel overpowered by someone's irritable presence. But holding back creates a pressure-cooker situation where you keep stuffing anger within. To be patient is to hold back and is also to engage and prioritize your response. Be prepared for people to be difficult, and be grateful if they are lovely in either situation value mental equilibrium.
Mind Training
Before the pandemic, there could have been a debate on the importance of mind training. But now we know those who are more flexible in mind are more adaptive and don't get flustered. These are the people who are ready for the rapidly changing world. It is essential to engage with those of a different opinion to train the mind. Don't let differing opinions bring out sharp responses from you, instead take each such interaction as necessary small step to prepare the mind for more significant reverses.
Reflection
There are simple methods like counting one to hundred when you feel a lot of anger within to distract yourself. To stop speaking, even if abruptly to avoid further harm from your speech. Those who are meditating or practice mindfulness are equally prone to irritation as anyone else. Still, if you have honed the art of reflecting, you will be able to disassociate yourself from your behaviour and see its impact. It sobers a person down as one realizes that his/her actions have caused hurt to oneself and their loved ones. Mindfulness may also give you a few seconds more to process your reaction. Mindfulness comes in handy when you want to channelize your displeasure, choose impersonal words and respond without any outward display of aggression.
"Akrodha" is a state when we are free from anger, absence of anger even when there is reason to be angry is a must for a person striving for good sleep, better health or nirvana. — Narada Parivrajaka Upanishad, Atharva Veda