* Many words of wisdom have been attributed to Guatama Buddha, the founder of Buddhism. According to Bodhipaksa, a popular Buddhist teacher, this quote often attributed to Buddha, is not a true Budhha quote. Bodhipaksa has determined that this quote is actually one by Eknath Easwaran who was paraphrasing Buddha’s teachings on anger and karma in his book “To Know Me is To Love Me. The Bhagavad Gita For Daily Living Vol. 3. ”
You will not be punished for your anger. You will be punished by your anger.
– Eknath Easwaran
This is definitely one of those quotes that resonates with me. Anger is such a destructive, exhausting emotion. Yet, there seems to be so many people who are often, and even typically, angry these days. I do not understand why – I do not understand the motivation or the pay off. I do not understand why they believe that their anger is worth the price.
I have seen any number of angry people in my day. I have seen ‘adults’ throw infantile tantrums, make violent threats, and heard them say terrible hateful hurtful things. I have seen such people pay the consequences, for their anger. I have seen them drive away loved ones, destroy their businesses, ruin their careers, damage their own personal possessions, cause accidents, and create chaos in their own lives.
I can see that being angry is punishment, in and of itself. Yet, when people get angry they will do or say anything to justify their anger. And… Anger is not only tolerated in our society, it is often condoned or encouraged. Why? It is detrimental to everyone including, and especially those who are angry.
I have my own self-destructive issues, but I am seldom, if ever, angry. Occasionally annoyed, befuddled or the like – but seldom angry. I really do not understand why people so often resort to anger. Am I missing something?
That is it for today. As always, all comments are welcome and appreciated.
Take care & have a great day! 💞
Seclusion 101 with AnneMarie 