Does anger serve a purpose when abuse, exploitation, or injustice are occurring? For example, if the slaves did not get angry about being slaves, they would never have been freed. If women did not get angry about not being considered full human beings, they would never have gotten the right to vote.
I feel like devotees fear anger because it’s considered selfish and destructive, when in reality, it is utterly necessary to human survival and well-being in cases of people being mistreated.
I’d love to hear your reflections!
Thank you
Sarah
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Namaste Sarah,
Thank you for your question. It is a relevant topic for all of us. As you may know I strictly follow the instructions and guidance of my spiritual masters and scripture. So I will quote from a purport by Srila Bhaktivdanta Swami in the Bhagavad Gita, chapter 16, verses 1-3. ” Akrodhah means to check anger. Even if there is provocation one should be tolerant, for once one becomes angry his whole body becomes polluted. Anger is the product of the modes of passion and lust, so one who is transcendentally situated should check himself from anger”. In another purport it is stated that anger also pollutes the whole atmosphere.
I understand your logic but what is not being understood is that one can see an injustice, incorrect situation, etc. and be determined to correct it without becoming angry. Also in Bhagavad Gita Lord Krishna explains that from anger comes bewilderment of memory and loss of intelligence. When intelligence is lost one does stupid and harmful things. So to work toward justice for all is one’s duty but not with anger but with determination and steadfastness, based on spiritual knowledge from the Lord. In this way favorable results will be achieved and no spiritual harm will be inflicted. This was the case in the Battle of Kurushetra where the Bhagavad Gita was spoken and this invaluable transcendental knowledge was revealed.
Of course to execute this truth one has to be advanced in spiritual consciousness and clarity. But again, it is our duty to progress toward such a goal and become transcendentally situated.
I hope that this sheds some light on this subject. I wish you all the best.
Balakhilya das