January 05, 2014

We need to master our own anger before we can help others do the same.  When the flames of anger flare up, we tend to lash out at those who have watered our seeds of anger.  It is like finding our house on fire, and instead of putting out the flames, chasing those we think started it.  Arguing with others only waters the seeds of anger in us.  When anger arises, return to yourself and use the energy of mindfulness to embrace, soothe, and illuminate it.  Do not think you will feel better if you can make the other person suffer, too. ~ Thich Nhat Hanh (from "Teachings on Love")

April 06, 2012

The trigger for much of our anger is frustrated expectation.  We sometimes invest so much of ourselves in a project that when it doesn't turn out as it should we become irate.  All "shoulds" point to an expectation, a prediction for the future.  We might have realized by now that the future is uncertain, unpredictable.  Relying too much on an expectation for the future, a "should," is asking for trouble. ~ Ajahn Brahm (from "Opening the Door of Your Heart")

September 11, 2011

The common dogma of fundamentalists is fear of modern knowledge, inability to cope with the fast change in a scientific/technological society, and the real breakdown in apparent moral order in recent years.  That is why hate is the major fuel, fear is the cement of the movement, and superstitious ignorance is the best defense against the dangerous new knowledge.  When you bring up arguments that cast serious doubts on their cherished beliefs you are not simply making a rhetorical point, you are threatening their whole Universe and their immortality.  That provokes anger and quite frequently violence.  Unfortunately, you cannot reason with them.  Their numbers will decline only when society stabilizes, and adapts to modernity. ~ G Gaia

August 22, 2011

My friends, love is better than anger. Hope is better than fear. Optimism is better than despair. So let us be loving, hopeful and optimistic. And we’ll change the world. ~ Jack Layton

February 22, 2011

Depression is merely anger without enthusiasm. ~ Unknown

October 14, 2010

Do not meddle in the affairs of wizards, for they are subtle and quick to anger. ~ J. R. R. Tolkien (from "The Fellowship of the Ring")

July 25, 2010

Holding anger is like grasping a hot coal with the intent of throwing it at someone else; you are the one who gets burned. ~ Buddha