The Raging Fire of Anger

Teachings from Teacher Practitioner Xia Lianju, recorded by the Buddha's disciple, Venerable HaiZe.

March 25, 2023.

Teacher Practitioner Xia Lianju offers these profound insights on the nature of the fire that burns within the human heart.

The Deceptive Nature of the Spark

Consider how a raging fire begins. It often starts as a tiny, seemingly insignificant spark. If you do not extinguish this small flame immediately, it will inevitably grow into a blaze that consumes everything in its path. Alternatively, a fire may erupt instantly, a sudden and violent explosion of flame that is nearly impossible to contain once it has taken hold. Once the fire spreads and becomes a raging inferno, it spirals out of control, causing immense harm to both yourself and others.

The first scenario occurs when one underestimates the power of a small spark. The second scenario is the direct result of the evil consequences and painful retribution ignited by the fire of the heart. This raging fire is none other than the human emotion of anger and wrath.

The Destructive Power of Wrath

In the teachings of the Buddha, we are warned that anger is a force of total destruction. It is said that a single thought of anger arises, and a million doors of obstacles are opened. Furthermore, anger is known to burn the forest of merit that we have cultivated through our diligent practice. It does not merely cause external conflict; it strikes at the very core of our spiritual life.

When you allow anger to consume you, the Body-Mind-Spirit that you have worked so hard to purify through your diligent practice is scorched. It is left charred and blackened by the intensity of this internal fire. You have spent so much time and effort in your practice, yet in a single moment of rage, you risk undoing the progress you have laboured to achieve.

The Long Path of Restoration

After the fire has subsided, you are left with the difficult task of restoration. How much time and how much more diligent practice will it take to transform that charred and blackened Body-Mind-Spirit back into a state of purity? The process of returning to the light is arduous. It requires one to move from a state of being scorched, to turning the ashes into grey, then into white, and finally, back into a state of true purity.

This entire process of repair is a journey of suffering and healing for the Body-Mind-Spirit. When you look back at the initial spark that you failed to extinguish, and when you reflect upon the uncontrollable blaze that was ignited by your own anger, you must ask yourself a difficult question: Was it worth it? Was the temporary satisfaction of your wrath worth the destruction of your peace and the long, painful road to recovery?

Namo Amituofo