Anger is an emotion that all of us experience, an inevitable and normal part of being human. Whether it’s a temporary discomfort related to a small inconvenience or the deep frustration we experience when our expectations are not met, this emotion shows us that we care about something, that we are alive, and that we are deeply connected to our experiences.

Anger often arises from feelings of fear, sadness, or helplessness. As a biological survival mechanism, it activates our sympathetic nervous system and triggers the fight-or-flight response.

Although it is a natural emotion, how we respond to anger determines our inner peace and the quality of our relationships. Let’s explore why this emotion arises, how it affects us, and most importantly, how we can manage it with mindfulness and kindness. Instead of suppressing anger, we can transform it into a power that serves our personal development.

Bhagavad Gita and Anger

Krodhād bhavati sammohah, sammohāt smriti-vibhramah,
Smriti-bhramshād buddhi-nāshah, buddhi-nāshāt pranashyati.

BG 2.63

From anger comes delusion, from delusion comes confusion of memory, from confusion of memory comes the destruction of intellect, and when intellect is destroyed, one is lost.

The Cycle of Anger

The Gita teaches us how anger clouds our decision-making processes and leads us to act without thinking. In this state, our emotions suppress our ability to think rationally, causing us to make unhealthy decisions and experience regret.

Memory and Cognitive Function

The term “confusion of memory” in the Gita represents the loss of connection with one’s higher self or values. Anger interferes with our personal beliefs and leads to inconsistent behavior, causing internal conflict.

Destruction of Intellect

The Gita emphasizes that prolonged anger can directly affect our problem-solving and decision-making mechanisms. An increase in stress hormones clouds the mind, slows down our thinking processes, and can lead us down the wrong path.

So, What Is the Source of Anger?

Avidyā (Ignorance)

Avidyā is defined as the most fundamental source of pain (klesha). Here, ignorance refers to the failure to recognize one’s true self and mistakenly identifying oneself with the ego or the material world. This leads to a distorted perception of reality.

Ignorance causes us to give unnecessary importance to events that develop independently of us and leads us to believe that our happiness or identity is tied to them. However, when these events do not meet our expectations, anger arises.

Kāma (Desires and Unfulfilled Expectations)

Kāma refers to the desire or longing for sensory pleasures, successes, and results. It is one of the fundamental forces that keeps our soul trapped in the cycle of suffering.

When our desires are unfulfilled or obstructed, anger arises in response to this frustration.

Rāga and Dvesha (Attachment and Aversion)

Rāga is attachment to things that bring pleasure; Dvesha is the tendency to avoid pain. This is based on the evolutionary survival instinct. Behaviors like moving toward food and away from threats are fundamental actions of life.

However, this instinct often shapes conditional behavior patterns based on our past experiences. When the things we love are threatened or when we are exposed to things we dislike, anger may arise.

Asmita (Ego)

Asmita is the false identification of ourselves through the ego. This leads to a sense of separation from our true self and defensive behavior.

The ego reacts with anger when it perceives threats in situations such as criticism, disrespect, or injustice in order to protect its identity.

Rajas (Restlessness and Imbalance)

To understand Rajas, let’s first touch on the concept of gunas. According to Sāṅkhya philosophy, everything, including our behavior, body, and mind, is composed of the combination of three fundamental qualities: Sattva (balance), Rajas (movement), and Tamas (inertia).

If a person has excess rajas, this leads to a highly active, impatient, and quick-reacting mind. This increases the likelihood of anger rising.

How Can We Transform Anger?

Svadhyaya (Self-Study)

Observing our thoughts and emotions through meditation helps us understand what triggers us and the patterns of our anger.

Vairagya (Renunciation of Attachments)

When we detach ourselves from desires and expectations, we can maintain our emotional responses at a reasonable level.

Ahimsa (Non-Violence)

Getting angry harms both ourselves and others. Cultivating feelings of compassion and empathy reduces anger.

Samatvam (Balance)

Remaining balanced not only in painful situations such as loss but also during gains and moments of praise helps maintain our inner peace.

Pranayama (Breath Control)

Breathing techniques calming the nervous system such as nadi shodhana, are very beneficial in reducing anger.

So

Anger is a natural emotion that everyone experiences at some point. Whether it arises from fear, frustration, or unmet expectations, it is important to understand how we respond to this emotion because it shapes our inner peace and our relationships. By developing self-awareness and embracing tools like meditation and empathy, we can transform this intense emotion into a powerful tool for personal growth. Instead of suppressing anger or acting impulsively, we can choose to mold it with patience and compassion, ultimately leading to emotional balance and positive effects on our quality of life.

Which emotion do you find most challenging to manage? Share in the comments!