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Overcome anger

CHENNAI: One of the hurdles that a spiritual seeker must diligently overcome is anger. Even in worldly life anger is counterproductive as it makes a person forget the consequences of his actions. Instead of resorting to damage control or feeling remorseful afterwards it will be prudent if a person understands his propensity to lose his temper and be cautious in situations he is likely to succumb to his failing. The Ramayana cautions on the outcome of anger in the words of one who was known for his sagacity of mind: Hanuman.

After Hanuman found Sita in the Ashoka grove, he ravaged the garden with the intention of gaining audience with Ravana for such a wanton act was bound to get immediately reported to him. As Rama’s messenger he wanted to assess the strength of their enemy before leaving Lanka.

Outraged by Hanuman’s audacity, Ravana despatched one after another to capture him. All failed and finally Ravana sent his son Indrajit when Hanuman allowed himself to be bound by the missile of Brahma (Brahmastra) he discharged, and he was dragged to Ravana’s court. Coming face to face with Ravana and seeing his glory and the splendour of his palace, Hanuman conceded that he was fit to rule even over heaven but for his crass unrighteous behaviour, said Sri M.V.Ananthapadmanabhachariar in his discourse.

Hanuman’s repartee to Ravana after introducing himself began with a description of Rama’s unmatched glory to drive home that if he was prudent there was still time to make amends and save himself. When there was no sign of it he warned him of dire consequences if he did not return Sita to Rama. This was the last straw and Ravana ordered him to be killed and at Vibhishana’s intercession the punishment was mitigated to setting his tail on fire. And in a fit of rage Hanuman set fire to Lanka. Only after seeing the city ablaze he remembered Sita and panicked about her safety, and rebuked himself, “Which angry man would not perpetrate a sinful act? He who is angry may kill even his preceptor. He alone is truly called a man who drives away by sheer forbearance his anger.” To his relief he found Sita was safe and then he took leave of Her.

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