Understanding and Overcoming Anger: Insights from the Bhagavad Gita

Anger is a significant problem that disrupts our peace of mind and damages relationships. It often arises when we feel insulted or offended by harsh words. These words enter our ears, gradually infiltrating the core of our hearts, where they ignite Krodhagni—the fire of anger.

The Mechanism of Anger

Anger behaves like fire, starting in the heart and spreading throughout the body. The heat of this anger follows a specific upward and then downward trajectory before manifesting in actions:

• Heart to Brain: Initially, anger is born in the heart, where it burns intensely. The heat then travels upward to the brain, as heat naturally rises.

• Brain Overheating: Once in the brain, the heat intensifies emotional agitation and creates tension.

• Forehead and Eyes: The heat spreads to the forehead, forming wrinkles, and turns the eyes red, mirroring the fiery intensity of anger.

• Nostrils and Breathing: The nostrils flare, and the person begins to breathe heavily, further fueling the anger.

• Face and Speech: The face becomes flushed red, and anger erupts as harsh words or abuses spill out.

• Hands and Feet: If anger intensifies further, it travels downward into the hands and feet, leading to physical aggression, such as striking or kicking.

This sequence vividly demonstrates how the “fire” of anger moves through the body, affecting both mind and actions if left unchecked.

The Root Cause of Anger

The underlying cause of anger lies in unfulfilled desires and expectations, particularly the desire for respect or validation. When these desires are denied, they transform into anger, much like a chemical reaction.

Lord Krishna explains this phenomenon in Bhagavad Gita [2.62-63]:

“Dhyayato vishayan pumsah sangas teshu upajayate, sangat sanjayate kamah kamat krodho ‘bhijayate.”

Translation: “While contemplating the objects of the senses, a person develops attachment for them, and from such attachment lust develops, and from lust anger arises.”

By meditating on material objects, we develop attachment, which evolves into a desire to possess or enjoy them. When these desires remain unfulfilled, they turn into anger, creating a destructive cycle.

The Solution to Anger Lord Krishna offers the remedy in Bhagavad Gita [2.61]:

“Tani sarvani samyamya yukta asita mat-parah, vashé hi yasya indriyani tasya prajna pratisthita.”

Translation: “One who restrains their senses and fixes their mind on Me is firmly established in transcendental knowledge.”

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The solution lies in redirecting our focus away from material desires toward the Supreme Lord. By meditating on Krishna, we purify our desires (kaam) and transform them into prem (divine love). This elevated consciousness brings inner peace, spiritual bliss, and freedom from anger.