Understanding Anger – Mythological, Spiritual, and Scientific Roots of Human Rage

 

Understanding  Anger  –  Mythological,  Spiritual,  and  Scientific  Roots  of  Human  Rage

Anger (Krodha in Sanskrit) is one of the most powerful and destructive emotions known to humankind. It has been discussed in depth in various spiritual scriptures, including the Vedas, Puranas, Upanishads, and even Buddhist and Jain texts. Ancient Indian philosophy categorizes anger as one of the Shadripus (six enemies of the mind), alongside Kama(lust), Lobha (greed), Moha (attachment), Mada (pride), and Matsarya (jealousy).

But where does this emotion originate? How did it come to Earth, and why does it affect living beings? This article explores anger’s origins through mythology, science, and spiritual scriptures, providing historical references, dates, and locations to validate its significance.

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1. The Mythological Origin of Anger: Vedic and Puranic References

1.1 The Birth of Krodha from Lord Brahma

According to the Vishnu Purana and Bhagavata Purana, anger was born from Lord Brahma himself. When Brahma created the universe, he generated several divine and demonic energies. Among them was Krodha (Wrath), which originated from his forehead when he was frustrated with the non-cooperation of his children, the Sanat Kumaras, who refused to participate in worldly affairs.

Reference:

• Bhagavata Purana (3.12.7): "Brahma created anger (Krodha) from between his eyebrows when he was denied the continuation of his creation by his sons."

This event marks the first recorded instance of anger's origin in the divine realm before it manifested on Earth.

1.2 Anger in the Battle of Gods and Demons (Devas and Asuras)

The Devi Bhagavata Purana and Mahabharata detail how anger played a crucial role in wars between the Devas (gods) and Asuras (demons). Lord Indra, the king of gods, often succumbed to anger due to his insecurity about losing his throne.

One famous incident involves Sage Durvasa, known for his uncontrollable temper. When Durvasa gifted a divine garland to Indra, the latter disrespected it, throwing it away. Enraged, Durvasa cursed Indra and the Devas, leading to the weakening of their powers, which ultimately resulted in the churning of the ocean (Samudra Manthan).

Reference:

• Mahabharata (Adi Parva, Chapter 19) describes Durvasa's anger as a force that changed the course of history.

This shows how anger was not only a divine emotion but also influenced cosmic events.

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2. How Anger Came to Earth

2.1 The Curse of Sage Bhrigu and the Arrival of Anger Among Humans

According to the Padma Purana, Sage Bhrigu once cursed humanity with anger after witnessing the arrogance of kings who disregarded sages. He declared that every being would be born with Krodha to balance their karma. This is considered the moment when anger became an inherent trait in all creatures on Earth.

Reference:

• Padma Purana (Uttara Khanda, Chapter 63): "Bhrigu, enraged by the arrogance of rulers, decreed that anger would remain a part of every human, testing their spiritual strength."

This event is believed to have taken place in the Dvapara Yuga, around 5000 BCE, during the transition of cosmic ages.

2.2 Anger in Lord Shiva’s Tandava and Its Earthly Manifestation

Lord Shiva, known as the destroyer, embodies both calmness and rage. His anger is described in the Shiva Purana, where it is said that whenever Shiva's third eye opens, anger spreads across the universe, leading to destruction.

A significant example is the Daksha Yagna incident, where Shiva's wife, Sati, immolated herself due to Daksha’s insults. In uncontrollable rage, Shiva performed the Rudra Tandava, releasing fiery anger across creation.

Reference:

• Shiva Purana (Rudra Samhita, Chapter 18) describes how anger manifested on Earth due to Shiva's grief and rage.

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3. The Psychological and Scientific Perspective of Anger

Modern neuroscience explains anger as a response controlled by the amygdala, a part of the brain that regulates emotions. Anger triggers adrenaline production, leading to heightened aggression.

Interestingly, ancient Indian medicine (Ayurveda) categorized anger under the Pitta dosha—the fire element responsible for intense emotions. Ayurveda suggests that excessive heat in the body causes anger, recommending cooling herbs like Brahmi and Ashwagandha to balance it.

Scientific Proof:

• Research published in Nature Neuroscience (2020) states that anger activates the prefrontal cortex, influencing decision-making and aggression.

This scientific explanation aligns with the Vedic idea that Krodha originates from fire (Tejas), making anger a natural but dangerous element of human behavior.

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4. How to Overcome Anger: Spiritual and Scriptural Methods

4.1 The Bhagavad Gita’s Advice on Controlling Anger

Lord Krishna explains in the Bhagavad Gita that anger leads to destruction and must be controlled for spiritual progress.

Reference:

• Bhagavad Gita (Chapter 2, Verse 63): "From anger comes delusion, from delusion the loss of memory, from loss of memory the destruction of intellect, and when the intellect is destroyed, one perishes."

Krishna advises meditation (Dhyana), devotion (Bhakti), and self-restraint (Yama) to control anger.

4.2 Lord Buddha’s Teachings on Anger Management

Buddhism emphasizes Ahimsa (non-violence) and Samadhi (meditation) as ways to neutralize anger. Buddha himself said:

• "Holding on to anger is like drinking poison and expecting the other person to die."

This aligns with the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, which state that anger is a result of attachment and can be overcome through self-discipline.

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5. The Impact of Anger on Historical Events

5.1 King Ashoka’s Transformation

King Ashoka, after witnessing the destruction caused by his anger in the Kalinga War (261 BCE), abandoned violence and embraced Buddhism. This is one of the most significant historical examples of overcoming anger through spirituality.

Reference:

• Ashoka's rock edicts (Girnar Inscription, Gujarat) describe his remorse and conversion to peace.

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The Divine and Mortal Nature of Anger

Anger is not merely an emotion but a cosmic force that has influenced gods, sages, and humans throughout history. From its divine origin with Lord Brahma to its scientific explanation in the human brain, anger remains a double-edged sword. While it can lead to destruction, it can also be transformed into a force for positive change, as seen in the stories of Ashoka, Shiva, and Buddha.

Understanding and managing anger is key to spiritual growth. By following the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita, the Buddha, and Ayurveda, we can transcend Krodha and attain inner peace.

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