Good morning friends
A few days ago, I was very angry with someone. As usual, when you get angry with somebody, you think that you are perfectly right and the other person is absolutely wrong. And that’s what happened to me too. I felt that the other person’s behaviour was irrational and hurtful. As I was going through this phase of anger, some philosophical sayings which I had read earlier flashed in front of my eyes. I remembered Buddha’s words, “ Anger is like holding a burning coal in your hands. You harm yourself more than the other person with your anger ” I also remembered reading,” Your anger belongs to you. The other person is just a trigger.“
But just knowing the philosophical sayings does not mean that you have imbibed them. At that moment, the fact was that I was very angry and these sayings were doing nothing to help me let go of that anger.
And as I could not let go of the anger, the judge which resides inside all of us was galvanised into action. This judge started blaming me and inducing guilt in me. I was about to get into the guilt mode, when I was reminded of Rumi’s poem guesthouse.
Rumi says,
“ This being human is a guest house.
Every morning a new arrival.
A joy, a depression, a meanness, some momentary awareness comes as an unexpected visitor.
Welcome and entertain them all !
Even if they are a crowd of sorrows who violently sweep your house empty of its furniture.
Still, treat each guest honourably.
He may be clearing you out for some new delight.
The dark thoughts, the shame, the malice, meet them at the door laughing, and invite them in.
Be grateful for whoever comes,
Because each has been sent as a guide from beyond. “
Remembering this poem brought a smile to my face and solace to my soul. I realised that it’s ok to have negative feelings at times. It’s a part of being human ! Though you are trying various methods to better yourself, you are not yet enlightened, not yet a saint. So, though you may continue to expect the highest level of behaviour from yourself, accept your faults when you stray away. There’s no need to feel guilty when you make mistakes. Go easy on yourself in such situations. Also try to remember that at times these situations can teach you important lessons.
This awakening put my mind at ease and that also helped me let go of my anger a few hours later.
Hoping that all of us are not too harsh with ourselves when we make mistakes,
Love,
Anjali
