When we are angry, what do we usually do? We shout…
““When we are angry, what do we usually do? We shout, scream, and try to blame someone else for our problems. But looking at anger with the eyes of impermanence, we can stop and breathe. Angry at each other in the ultimate dimension, we close our eyes and look deeply. We try to see three hundred years into the future. What will you be like? What will I be like? Where will you be? Where will I be? We need only to breathe in and out, look at our future and at the other person's future. Looking at the future, we see that the other person is very precious to us. When we know we can lose them at any moment, we are no longer angry. We want to embrace her or him and say: "How wonderful, you are still alive. I am so happy. How could I be angry with you? Both of us have to die someday, and while we are still alive and together it is foolish to be angry at each other." The reason we are foolish enough to make ourselves suffer and make the other person suffer is that we forget that we and the other person are impermanent. Someday when we die we will lose all our possessions, our power, our family, everything. Our freedom, peace, and joy in the present moment is the most important thing we have.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Seeing anger as temporary lets us pause, breathe, and recognize the preciousness of others, reducing suffering.
In simple terms: Impermanence reduces anger.
Key Takeaway
Pause, breathe, and see the future.
Themes
compassion
impermanence
mindfulness
Mood
reflective
calm
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- relationship conflict
- personal stress
- meditation practice
Key Concepts
Buddhist philosophy
emotional regulation
Questions to Reflect On
- How does viewing impermanence change your reaction?
- What future perspective can calm current anger?
A Different Perspective
May be hard to adopt in intense moments.