Anger is a normal human emotion. When someone does not obey us, when things do not go as per our expectations or plans, when someone disrespects us or dishonors us, our ego is hurt and we get angry. Many a time, our anger gets out of control and it destroys our relationships and work. But more importantly, it destroys us. Anger rises from within our depths and shoots out from our throat and forehead. We scream and frown. But before the anger is released, the greater force of our anger hits and damages our own body and systems and only a smaller and weaker part of the remaining force is released and hits the other person. The force of anger released repeatedly within our body over a period of time causes heart attacks, diabetes, blood pressure, stroke and headaches. Every time anger hits us, we feel tired and drained. Every time someone provokes us and we get angry, we are the losers. This was the lesson learnt by Lord Indra in the story given below:
Lord Indra is the ruler of heaven. He always faced opposition from the asuras or demons who wished to rule the heaven. They would wage wars with him to take over his kingdom or do intense tapas to get the boon of becoming the King of heaven. Once, an asura did intense tapas with the aim of taking over Lord Indra’s throne. He pleased Brahma the Creator of the Universe and sought the boon of drawing out the energy of those who got angry with him. The asura knew the weakness of men and Lord Indra. They were egoistic and could not tolerate rudeness or disrespect. Without checking into the cause of behavior, they would react in anger and the asura could drain off their energy.
As soon as he was blessed with the boon, the asura rushed into the heavenly court of Lord Indra and proceeded to insult him before everyone. Lord Indra was shocked at this unwarranted behavior. He warned the asura to be respectful to the King of heaven. While he was speaking, the asura laughed insolently and interrupted him again. This enraged Lord Indra and he shouted in rage at the asura. The more rage he felt, the more exhausted he became. He could feel his energy levels drained and he became weak. He could not understand what was happening to him. He had not even started his fight with the asura. All he had done was get angry at the asura and issue him stern warnings. Why was he so drained and exhausted?
Lord Indra sought the advice of his Guru. The Guru told him that the asura was granted a boon by Lord Brahma of being able to drain off the energies of those he made angry. Lord Indra realised that he had foolishly lost his cool and became angry every time the asura baited him. Each time his anger rose, the more energy he lost and more weak he became. His Guru advised him to return to the court and be calm and keep smiling. He told Lord Indra not to lose his temper however hard the asura may provoke him.
Lord Indra went back to his seat in the heavenly court and sat in peace and balance. He was not disturbed despite all the provocation and insults hurled by the asura. The asura was powerless and had to go away. In this way Lord Indra defended his heavenly kingdom.
The story of Lord Indra is the story of our lives. We get angry and react to insults, indifference, lack of respect and provocation. Our ego cannot endure the fact that someone is disrespecting us. We do not look into the reasons for the misbehavior of the other person. We simply react and burst out. We feel exhausted and drained and wonder why. The only way to victory over this is to remain calm and not allow negative emotions like anger to control us. Regular japa of the SitaRam Mantra, meditation and following the teachings of the Guru help us to overcome anger and remain balanced.
