It makes sense to do everything we can do to lighten our load. Why would we allow anything to weigh us down if we didn't have to? Yet, many of us carry around burdens that we could put down. Anger can be one of those burdens.
Culturally, anger can seem like a good thing. We can see ourselves as defenders and believe that anger is necessary in that role. In addition many of us believe that anger can be cathartic. Some therapists even recommend getting angry in order to release it. Unfortunately, as it turns out, that is an exercise that most often backfires, leading to an increase, not a decrease, of anger.
Buddhism takes quite a different view of anger. From this perspective it is seen as a virulent poison that can be transmitted from one person to another. Those not familiar with this view often take issue with it, equating it with weakness and/or apathy. Nothing could be further from the truth.
It is possible to feel quite strongly about something, up to and including defending someone from harm without having a heart filled with anger. In fact, losing the anger often clears the head. This allows one to act from an even stronger, more grounded position.
One of the best books I've read on the subject is Anger: Wisdom for Cooling the Flames by Thich Nhat Hanh. In it he discusses the anger that can occur on many levels from anger between a couple to anger between and among societies. Most importantly, he discusses how to put anger down.
This topic is worth some thought. If we can put anger down, and remain strong and effective, why wouldn't we do that? How nice to live a life that is lightened!
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