When we’re angry, our judgement becomes clouded and there can be nothing worse for our good fortune than behaviour that is heedless or ill advised. The Buddha said that anger can have many sad results for the one who indulges in it. It causes a person to become ugly, to sleep badly, to forgo profit and wealth, to lose his reputation and friends and, upon the break-up of the body, to reappear in a plane of deprivation.
Once anger has arisen it is difficult to control. Therefore, because of this reality and all the unfortunate results that can befall a person because of anger, it is wise for us to discover why we become afflicted with anger so that we can prevent it from happening. At its root, anger is based in our lack of clarity about what really matters. Typically, when we become angry it is because we are preoccupied with something that is inconsequential. In other instances, when we think the issue is important, a more careful examination might reveal that the obstacle we perceive is easy to get around.
If we set a goal to become happy and satisfied in the present moment, it will be quite difficult for any obstacle to stand in our way and therefore there will be not much reason to become angry. External factors are inherently uncertain and therefore not at all dependable. However, if we don’t need to depend on outside factors to become happy, then it doesn’t matter when things change in a way we would not otherwise like. Happiness of this kind is a worthy goal because it is an enduring peace of mind.
There is a tried and true formula for moving towards long-term satisfaction. That formula, as explained by the Buddha, is to train the mind not to waste time and energy indulging in pursuits that do not contribute to a peaceful abiding. Instead, the Buddha’s guidance directs us to continually become aware of what is happening and what we are doing so that with each moment we are getting closer and closer to freedom.