Decoding the Cause of Anger and Unveiling Empowering Remedies

Introduction

The origin of anger is our five senses. The five senses are sound (shabda), touch (sparsha), sight (rupa), taste (rasa) and smell (gandha). We perceive, understand and take pleasure in the various objects around us by actively thinking about, focusing on those objects using our senses. When we engage our senses in giving pleasure to our mind through the use of the senses, we are contemplating on sense objects, which paves the way for attachments, desire and emotions towards those objects. Attachment implies a liking, preference, or a sense of connection to certain sensory experiences. Attachment is not inherently negative, but the consequences arise when it transforms into strong desires or cravings. Excessive attachment can lead to an imbalanced focus on sensory pleasures, creating a basis for desires that, if unmet, may result in negative emotions like frustration, disappointment and anger.

How does attachment develop?

Attachments towards objects develop over time through repeated exposure and engagement with those objects. When individuals repeatedly encounter sensory stimuli, such as sights, sounds, tastes, touches, and smells, a psychological and emotional connection begins to form. This familiarity can lead to a sense of comfort, pleasure, or perceived satisfaction associated with the objects. As the mind registers these positive experiences, it develops a natural inclination or attachment towards those sensory stimuli. Over time, this attachment transforms into a deeper emotional connection and desire for the objects, contributing to the formation of likes and dislikes. This process is a result of the mind's tendency to seek pleasure when engaged in using these objects.

Consequences of attachment

Excessive attachment to objects is also called lust. Attachment, while a fundamental aspect of human experience, often brings about significant consequences that extend beyond the immediate emotional realm. When individuals become overly attached to possessions, relationships, or outcomes, they risk facing immense suffering when these attachments are threatened or disrupted. Emotional turbulence, stress, and anxiety can result from an inability to adapt to changing circumstances. Moreover, attachment may cloud one's judgment, hindering the capacity for clear decision-making. Learning to strike a balance between caring deeply and maintaining a sense of detachment, as advocated in various spiritual and philosophical traditions, is essential for navigating life's inevitable fluctuations with resilience and equanimity.?

In the Ramayana, Ravana's attachment to his desires and his unwavering infatuation with Sita led to his downfall. His lust and refusal to let go of his attachment ultimately led to the destruction of Lanka and his demise at the hands of Lord Rama.?

In the Mahabharata, Duriyodhana’s intense desire for power, wealth, and the throne led him down a path of deceit, manipulation, and eventually, ruin. His over attachment to material possessions and the throne of Hastinapura fueled his envy towards the Pandavas, his cousins. This envy, in turn, gave rise to deep-seated animosity. His attachment blinded him to righteousness and moral values, setting the stage for the Kurukshetra War. His fixation on winning at any cost led to his ultimate downfall, as he disregarded the counsel of well-wishers, including Lord Krishna. Duryodhana's tragic fate serves as a cautionary tale about the perils of unchecked attachment and the importance of ethical conduct in the face of ambition.

The Ramayana, Mahabharata and other vedic epics and scriptures thus serves as a cautionary tale, highlighting the detrimental effects of unchecked attachment, emphasizing the importance of cultivating detachment and discernment in navigating life's complexities.

How attachment gives rise to anger?

Attachment can lead to anger through a gradual process of unmet expectations and emotional investment. When an individual becomes deeply attached to someone or something, there is often an emotional investment tied to specific outcomes or experiences. As circumstances evolve and reality diverges from these expectations, frustration and disappointment can set in. This dissonance between attachment-driven expectations and not being able to meet those expectations makes one angry. The intensity of attachment amplifies the emotional stakes, making individuals more susceptible to feeling hurt or betrayed when their desires are not fulfilled. In essence, attachment creates a vulnerable emotional connection, and when that connection is strained, it can manifest as anger, expressing the emotional distress arising from unmet expectations or perceived threats to what one holds dear.

Consequences of anger

We now understand that anger arises from unmet desires or frustrations. When an individual succumbs to anger, it clouds their judgment and reasoning, paving the way for complete delusion. This delusion represents a state of mental confusion where reality becomes distorted, and one's perceptions are severely compromised. Anger, being a forceful emotion, has the potential to engulf the mind, leading to a state of delirium where discernment becomes challenging.

As delusion takes hold, the next stage is the bewilderment of memory. Memory is a crucial aspect of cognitive functioning that allows individuals to learn from experiences and make informed decisions. However, under the influence of delusion caused by anger, the normal functioning of memory is disrupted. This distortion of memory contributes to a loss of intelligence, as the ability to draw upon past experiences and knowledge diminishes. Consequently, the individual becomes vulnerable to making poor choices and is more likely to act impulsively, further entangling themselves in the complexities of material existence.?

Keeping mind free from attachment and anger

Keeping the mind free from attachment and anger involves adopting a combination of self-awareness, mindfulness practices, and cultivating a spiritual perspective. Firstly, self-awareness is crucial; one should introspect and identify the roots of attachment and anger within themselves. Understanding the causes and triggers can help in addressing these emotions at their source.

Mindfulness practices, such as meditation and deep-breathing exercises, provide effective tools to stay present and observe thoughts and emotions without getting entangled in them. Regular meditation helps in developing a calm and focused mind, reducing the likelihood of being swept away by strong emotions.

Cultivating a spiritual perspective, whether through religious teachings or philosophical insights, can provide a broader framework for understanding the transient nature of material attachments. Recognizing the impermanence of worldly possessions and the futility of excessive desires can gradually loosen the grip of attachment.

Additionally, fostering qualities like compassion, forgiveness, and gratitude can counteract anger. Practicing empathy towards others and forgiving oneself and others for shortcomings contribute to emotional well-being.?

All the above-mentioned practices will help us control our mind to a good extent but unless we attach and engage our mind and senses to something higher and spiritual there is every chance of a fall. According to the purport of Bhagavad Gita 2:64 by Srila Prabhupad - It is already explained that one may externally control the senses by some artificial process, but unless the senses are engaged in the transcendental service of the Lord, there is every chance of a fall. Although the person in full K???a consciousness may apparently be on the sensual plane, because of his being K???a conscious he has no attachment to sensual activities. The K???a conscious person is concerned only with the satisfaction of K???a, and nothing else. Therefore, he is transcendental to all attachment and detachment. If K???a wants, the devotee can do anything which is ordinarily undesirable; and if K???a does not want, he shall not do that which he would have ordinarily done for his own satisfaction.

References

Bhagavad Gita As It Is by Srila Prabhupad verses 2:62. 2:63, 2:64

If you want to read more blogs on spirituality, health and well-being go to https://bluishboy.com/blog