In the Bhagavad Gita, kama (desire), krodha (anger) and lobha (greed) are referred to as the three gates leading to the downfall of the individual (16.21). Those seeking to make progress on the spiritual path must give them up on all three. Yoga practitioners of Yog Sadhan Ashram have made a resolution to work on anger this year. Here are some inspiring words from Hershji to motivate us all:

Nothing is more degrading for an aspirant than to keep his or her mind burdened with the many forms of anger, including contempt, intolerance, vengeance, hatred, and rage. All of these emotions darken the mind, dissipate willpower, create illusions, waste mental energy, and lead to various forms of misery.

Anger expresses itself in three ways – physically, verbally, and mentally. Physical expressions of anger needs to be controlled as the first step. Even though anger may linger mentally, and you may utter harsh words, at least let there be no physical expressions of anger in your life.

The second step in controlling anger is to curtail its verbal expression. Whether your anger is rational or irrational does not matter, as an uncontrolled tongue always leads to regret, repentance, and wastage of energy. Therefore, verbal anger must be controlled even if you are still struggling with anger in your mind.

Finally, your ultimate goal is to free yourself of the afflictions of mental anger. Ideally, your mind should be so free of this affliction that there is no effort involved; anger simply does not arise inside of you no matter what occurs externally.

To encourage yourself to reach the highest state of mental purity, remember that whenever you sustain anger in your mind, you are hurting yourself the most. Every time you hold a grudge and hurt another person by your thoughts or actions, you create a negative karma that keeps you bond to that person in the future.

  • Share/Bookmark

2 Responses to “Ashram Students’ Resolution: No Anger”

  1. Jyoti Says: February 5th, 2010 at 12:28 AM

    Thank you for this article, it’s a food reminder on our goal to be angry free ..
    enjoyed reading …

    Jyoti ~ :)

  2. Margaret Says: February 26th, 2010 at 11:51 AM

    It is good to hear You! As previously stated, a reminder to live by. . . . Thank you.
    I hadn’t thought of it, but to be bound to a person through negative karma . . . . I’ll pass on that!!!

Leave a Reply