Anger 2

Which is the greatest power for change? The world looks different now compared to only 200 years ago, and which are the causes that made it better?
There are two alternative powers, anger and equanimity. Equanimity is the quiet analysis.
Anger has been tried, in wars, and in the organised social conflict between capital and workers. Equanimity has also been tried, in the millions of minds trying to make things better, from cleaning the home to building space telescopes.
We have a romantic idea that anger is the best.
It might be different for different persons. If we can use equanimity - reason - for getting what we want we do that and there is no trouble.
If someone can not use argument, the raw will to change might manifest as anger. Eventually it will be organised within equanimity.
Anger is a spontaneous reactions in mind. When it is there it is a reality. But that does not make it justified or constructive.
Dealing with anger is not an easy task, however.

Better 2

Deceit, secrecy and violence might seem to be rational methods in a body-based world view. In the extreme form we see it in war fare strategy. In a disguised form we find it in many societies and many sub cultures.
In a mind-based world view however, the best methods are communication, openness, information and argument.
The body-based world view is the first one we find when we grow up. The mind-based view is not quite natural. It must be cultivated in order to be reached. But it can be reached by all.
Which is best? Well every individual must choose individually. It is no use saying that the mind-based view is better if no one tries to reach it.
There are some difficulties in seeking the mind-based view. One difficulty is self purification. Many stunts which are natural in the body-based view are quite sad in a mind-based view.
In a body based view we might think "I am not angry often. I am only angry when it is particularly justified". In a mind-based view, the principle is "When it seems and feels particularly justified to be angry, it is particularly good not to be angry".

Sour mind 2

The situation in our mind and the situation in the external world are very different. They follow different natural laws. We probably know more about the external laws than the internal.
Mind reacts with suffering when something is wrong in mind. But if suffering seems unavoidable, we learn to accept suffering rather than seek a remedy.
Often we misinterpret the suffering as caused by external factors, while the real causes are in mind. The real causes might be clinging and anger. Clinging and anger might be our most cherished reactions. We cling to the good and fight the bad.
Of course, we should seek the good and avoid the bad. But if we hold on too hard we destroy it, and if we fight too hard we destroy ourselves.

Behind the veil 2

Exaggerated desire, anger, confusion, pride and hyper activity in mind - is this the formula for all western culture in literature, painting, movies and television?
Maybe. It is also the most important of what is called disturbing emotions in Buddhist psychology. They are considered useless, and they should be removed.
In the west we do not take things that lightly. We often see these reactions as Most Serious.
The border line between the rational and the irrational is often difficult to see.
To desire the good and lovely is good, but to overvalue the qualities is bad. To avoid the bad is good, but to feel anger is bad. Where is the border line?
Confusion is the natural state for the human brain. Pride (as in arrogance) is the psychological defence mechanism we use when we feel our knowledge is limited. Hyper activity in the brain is the desperate attempt to understand as much as possible.
We certainly can get stuck in our own disturbing emotions. Should we remain there, watch the movie and read the novel?
Or should we start to meditate and leave the disturbances behind?