Abstract

The root of anger is "desire," as indicated in the Bhagawad Gita. Frustration of our desires causes anger which, metaphorically, blinds the person and ultimately leads to destruction. Desires are at the three levels of body, mind, and intellect. The pure nature of desire (or "kama") is to know reality, that is, it is at the intellectual level. However, it is through the human body that one satisfies one`s desire. Therefore, physical needs (e.g., food, sleep, and sex) and emotional desires (e.g., security, love, and esteem) require satisfaction. Maslow`s hierarchy of needs (motivation theory) is comparable with this perspective. Satisfying needs and desires at these levels are descriptive of our functioning towards the goal of transient happiness ("sukh"), paving the way to the final goal of bliss ("anand"). Kama gives rise to attraction/attachment to the objects of desire but also to anger and fury ("krodha") when desires get frustrated. Kama, predominantly at the body level, causes greater anger and leads to adverse consequences at the level of psychophysiology. To reduce such experiences of anger, people must adhere to dharma which enables them to transcend the baser levels of desires, thus leading to the higher goals of prolonged than transient bodily happiness, and finally, to liberation ("moksha") from the bondage of desires and attachments which are involved in our existence. Various techniques and methods to overcome anger have been suggested in the Bhagawadgita and presented in the paper.