ABC's of Anger Control
Roots of Rage
These techniques are designed to prevent real physical violence. But remember:
a violent slip of the tongue can last a lifetime. These techniques are for Self-defense,
defense of others and yourself. These are emergency procedures and are not meant as a
substitute for individual or group psychotherapy, which are settings where one can learn
to safely look at one's anger, release anger in a safe way and resolve conflict. That's
longer-term work. What you've been reading so far is about putting out fires and helping
people stop from even striking the first match.
Why do we get mad? It is clear to me that anger is a product of both heredity and
environment. I've seen young children who came into the world with a chip on their
shoulder. It's hard to believe, but I've seen rage in a baby's eyes and I know it's
in the DNA...not the milk.
But, given this nature/nurture cause of personality, let me explain the Vedanta theory
about anger. According to Vedanta, within the lower self, we are driven by desire.
Once we have acquired our object of desire, we want to multiply it. When the desire is
not fulfilled, is diminished or taken away, we get angry. It's that simple. So how do
we deal with desire? If the desire that arises in our mind will not harm others or
ourselves, proceed toward that desire. But remember the lessons of the Temple of Delphi:
1) Know Thyself and 2) Nothing in Excess.
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