Anger is an emotion of displeasure, usually regarding an act or idea of another person or organisation. Sometimes a person feels angry at him- or herself for having acted stupidly or badly, etc.
Anger involves a sense of injustice, outrage , frustration , irritation, or violent conflict.
In the Christian tradition, causeless, excessive, or protracted anger is sinful (Matt. 5:22; Eph. 4:26; Col. 3:8), one of the seven deadly sins. As ascribed to God, it merely denotes his displeasure with sin and with sinners (Ps. 7:11).
Anger may also result from irritability brought on by illness such as bipolar disorder. Research also shows
that some individuals can be genetically predisposed to higher levels of anger.
Buddhism presents a quite different view on emotions like anger. Anger is defined here as: "being unable to bear the object, or the intention to cause harm to the object". Anger is seen as aversion with a stronger exaggeration, and is listed as one of the five hindrances. In Buddhism, anger is said to be a "negative emotion", in the sense that it is based on an underlying level of ignorance, and tends to lead us into actions which are harmful to ourselves and others. Although decisive action may be needed in given circumstances, when we are under the control of anger, we will often not have the clarity of mind to take the optimal action. In Buddhist psychology, anger can not only be controlled/managed, but even completely overcome if we develop our mind far enough.
See also
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Last updated: 10-18-2005 15:52:18
