Mastering Anger

I bow my head and touch the earth

before the highest charioteer who trains humankind.

Stretch out your arms of compassion;

bring us to the shore of peace and solidity.

For so long, confusion has inhabited us

so that we have not had the chance to learn,

and we have often acted foolishly,

allowed seeds of anger and violence

to be watered in our deep consciousness.

Whenever seeds of irritation or annoyance

arise and operate in my mind,

they always cause wounds and resentment

in myself and in so many others.

Listening to Avalokita’s teaching,

I begin right now with a deep aspiration:

whenever anger arises,

I shall come back to myself,

taking refuge in my mindful breathing and steps

so as to look after and embrace,

to protect and recognize

the painful mental formations in me.

I shall remember to look deeply

to see the true nature and source of hatred and anger.

Heeding the Buddha’s teachings,

I shall know how to guard my mind.

When anger arises in me

I shall not do or say anything

until I have mastered it.

I shall look deeply to see

the real nature of my pain.

[bell]

The seed of ignorance

is the cause of my suffering,

and the reason why the seed of anger in me has grown so strong.

Those who make me angry

have so much suffering themselves.

They have not been able

to come home to themselves to guard their mind.

They do not know how to transform

the deep-seated habit energies within.

Contemplating in this way,

I will be able to bring about understanding and acceptance,

and help the other person

to practice and to transform the suffering within them.

The World-Honored One has taught:

When we are able to master our anger,

we bring a double victory to ourself and to the other person.

I want to practice with all my heart

in order to repay my gratitude to the great favor.

May the Three Jewels embrace us with loving kindness

so that we can quickly cross over to the shore of peace and happiness.