BA6_6-10 Anger Is the Enemy
With video BA6_6-10 Rinpoche continues his commentary on Shantideva’s analysis of anger and why it is so destructive. These are stanzas 6 to 10 of the Sixth Chapter of the Bodhicharyavatara.
To view the video, simply click on the image to view all the Chapter 6 videos.
If you prefer listening to the teaching in audio, use the audio player below.
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The audio as well as the audio translations in different languages and the transcript of this teaching are all available on Chapter 6 page.
We are also studying the commentary transcript on Chapter 6, which you can download here and in the Library. Further recommended reading: the commentary book by Kunzang Pelden (Khenpo Kunpal), The Nectar of Manjushri’s Speech, p. 200-201.
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Dear Rinpoche
I realize we are just starting chapter 6, and therefore perhaps it’s too early to ask for clarifications about whether patience is always the answer to anger.
The reason I’m confused stems from earlier verses in chapter 3, such as 3-29: “They dwell within my mind, And at their pleasure injure me. All this I suffer meekly, unresenting – Thus my abject patience, all displaced!” and 3-43: “This shall be my all-consuming passion. Filled with rancor I will wage my war! Defilement of this kind will halt defilement, And for this reason it shall not be spurned.“
I had interpreted these verses as a call to use emotions like disgust, wrath, rancor and revolt as attitudes to adopt against emerging afflictive emotions… but perhaps it’s a matter of discernment, of knowing when to use patience and when to use wrath? I associate patience to the gentleness and forbearance of a long-term approach, whereas wrath and rancor seem more immediate and uncompromising. Please would you comment – thank you.
With love, gratitude and best wishes
Eleine
Dear Rinpoche,
Thank you for this valuable teaching which I hope I will be able to keep in mind in my daily life. I have two questions. Firstly, if I suddenly find that I have become angry, is it helpful or necessary to try to find out what has led to the anger in my mind eg hurt, upset, disturbance , or is it best just to let go of the anger? Secondly, when Shantideva speaks of patience, does he mean this capacity to maintain a joyful, peaceful state of mind, refusing to let this be destroyed by hurt and upset feelings?
Kind regards
Lynda