Do Not Give Rise to Anger

The Destructive Nature of Anger

Anger arises from the heart. When a small spark of irritation appears, you must extinguish it immediately. If you allow it to burn, it will consume the entire forest of your merits. The green grass of your virtue withers under the heat of such rage. Why would you choose to suffer this heat throughout your entire body? Both your body and spirit are tormented by this fire, and your anger invites the instability of impermanence into your life.

Your facial expression changes in an instant when you are angry. Your words become like fire added to fire, scorching everything they touch. When evil thoughts arise from confusion, others will quickly distance themselves from you to avoid being caught in the blaze. You must be vigilant, for this fire is a beacon for negative forces. Rakshasas love to enter a body consumed by rage. It matches their nature perfectly; the moment you lose your temper, you are in sync with them.

The Difficulty of Liberation

Anger acts as an invitation to these spirits. It is so easy to invite them in, yet it is incredibly difficult to cast them out once they have taken hold. If not for the eyes of a compassionate teacher who can see through the body, you would struggle to regain control of yourself. Only by casting these spirits out can the fires be extinguished. However, if you listen to the words of others and allow yourself to be provoked again, the fire attacks your heart once more. Repeating this cycle keeps you far from the purity of your body, mind, and spirit.

Cultivating the Mind and Repentance

How can you cultivate a pure mind? You must observe your past with the eyes of the Buddha. Understand that all karma comes from Causal Conditions; therefore, you must repent deeply for your actions. Your past arrogance has harmed others and created karmic creditors. The karma of anger leads directly to the hells; how can you hope to escape the mountain of fire if you do not change?

• Painful Correction: You must painfully correct your past mistakes and resolve to never repeat them.
• Nurturing Compassion: Actively grow your heart of compassion.
• Selfless Conduct: Treat others better than yourself, and have pity for those who are still lacking in their understanding.

Returning to the True Nature

Do not look at the faults of others. Their faults are their own karmic burden to bear. Do not let your mind be disturbed by them; keep your heart as calm as still water. When no fire of anger arises, a natural coolness prevails. Protect your good character, for a mind without attachment is the best state of being. When you have no wandering thoughts, you have no faults. When you are free from selfishness and discriminations, you realise that you and I are one. Only then can you see your true self. This is the path of the Universal Principle, the Truth, and the Right Way, allowing you to leave suffering behind and find happiness.

Recorded by the Buddha's disciple, Venerable HaiZe.

Namo Amituofo