A woman wanted to know how to deal with anger. I asked…
“A woman wanted to know how to deal with anger. I asked when anger arose whose anger it was. She said it was hers. Well, if it really was her anger, then she should be able to tell it to go away, shouldnt she? But it really isn't hers to command. Holding on to anger as a personal possession will cause suffering. If anger really belonged to us, it would have to obey us. If it doesn't obey us, that means it's only a deception. Don't fall for it. Whenever the mind is happy or sad, don't fall for it. Its all a deception.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Anger is not a personal possession; treating it as such creates suffering. Recognizing emotions as transient phenomena reduces attachment and mental distress.
In simple terms: Anger isn’t yours to command.
Key Takeaway
Detach from emotions to ease suffering.
Themes
emotion
mindfulness
attachment
suffering
Mood
calm
insightful
Type
spiritual
psychological
When to use this quote
- conflict resolution
- stress management
- therapy sessions
Key Concepts
psychological insight
Buddhist teaching
Practical Applications
- Practice observing anger without labeling it yours
- Use breath to create space before reacting
Questions to Reflect On
- What does it mean to own an emotion?
- How can you test if an emotion is a deception?