Have you ever heard the saying: “Smart people control their anger, while foolish ones let anger control them.”? It’s time to refrain from getting angry and become a calm and composed individual.
4 significant benefits of not letting anger control your life
1. Anger control is a sign of a good upbringing
There’s a story about a seasoned general who decided to retreat from the battlefield and seek peace. He approached an old Zen master and asked to be his disciple. However, the master pointed out that the general had too many responsibilities and attachments.
After a few days, the general returned, claiming he’d let go of all his attachments. But when the master tested his patience with a provocative comment, the general got angry. Like this general, we often believe we’re ready for something, but our emotional instability proves otherwise. It shows a lack of personal cultivation if you’re constantly disturbed by past and present events.
2. Anger control is a blessing
In Tibet, there’s a tale of a man named Aiba who would run around his house three times every time he got angry. After cooling down, he would focus on his work. This practice led him to build a luxurious home and a large yard. Even in his old age, he would still run those three laps if he felt anger brewing.
Aiba realized that getting angry was foolish when he had so much to be grateful for. Blessings are like a spring breeze, only felt when the heart is calm. They are not about having more than others but surpassing your past self.
3. Anger control is wise
During the Warring States period, a general named Li Mu was stationed at the border. Whenever the enemy attacked, he would order his soldiers to hide and defend, never to counterattack. Many ridiculed him as a coward, eventually reaching the king’s ears.
The king, in anger, dismissed Li Mu. However, the kingdom suffered a crushing defeat when the enemy attacked again. The king had no choice but to reinstate Li Mu. Decisions made in anger often disregard consequences and factors. Turning anger into wisdom is the key. If you can leverage past experiences, your knowledge will be superior.
4. Anger control is healthy
During the Western Han Dynasty, a minister named Zhou Yafu rose to prime minister. After a series of humiliations and accusations, he became so angry that he refused to eat for five days, ultimately damaging his health.
When you’re angry, you can’t eat or sleep well, and everything seems wrong. As the saying goes: “When others are angry, I am not because illness from anger cannot be replaced.” You won’t get angry quickly once you understand the relationship between anger and health.
To master the art of not getting angry, try to put yourself in the other person’s shoes, force yourself to stay calm for three minutes, count from one to a hundred to distract yourself, read more to gain wisdom, and be kind to others. After all, responding to hatred with virtue is the best way to maintain your peace.
In conclusion, controlling your anger is not just about maintaining your composure; it’s about cultivating your character, attracting blessings, gaining wisdom, and preserving your health. So the next time you feel anger bubbling up, remember these four significant benefits and choose peace instead.
