Anger 2

Shantideva says we should be "like a log of wood" in situations provoking anger. For the person who is provoking, it should be as talking to just a piece of wood. 

But being provoked is not that easy to endure. We human beings are normally quite sensitive to provocation. 

Shantideva argues extensively to show that provocations are irrational. If others are angry with us, it depends on their being carried away by disturbing emotions. They need pity. There is not cause for responding with anger.

But on the pure brain level, there is a difficulty. In heated situations, brain is not very open for rational argument. Brain reacts spontaneously.

Can we reprogram our brain, so it turns like a log towards provocation? 

Technically it is possible, but it needs practice.

One method for getting rid of bad habits is to get new habits. One positive habit would be to notice and try to approach the divine reality.

Many of as are quite insensitive - we are like a log - towards the divine values.