Anger

"Be angry, but do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger." (Ephesians 4:26) Christianity recognizes that anger can be legitimate—Jesus drove money changers from the temple. But anger must be controlled and resolved quickly. Uncontrolled anger is a sin. The Christian response is forgiveness and reconciliation, not revenge. Source ✤

"Do not be angry, and Paradise will be yours." (Hadith) Prophet Muhammad said that the strongest man is not the one who wins in a fight, but the one who controls his anger. When feeling angry, a Muslim is advised to: sit if he is standing, lie down if he is sitting, perform ablution, and seek refuge from Shaytan. The anger is Shaytan's; self-control is from Allah. Source ✤

"From anger comes confusion; from confusion, loss of memory; from loss of memory, destruction of intelligence." (Bhagavad Gita 2:63) Krishna explains to Arjuna the destructive progression of anger. Yoga teaches pratyahara (withdrawal of the senses) and dharana (concentration) to control impulses. Anger arises from frustrated desire. Reducing desire reduces anger. Source ✤

"Holding on to anger is like drinking poison and waiting for the other person to die." (attributed to Buddha) The Buddha taught that anger (dosa) is one of the three poisons that cause suffering. Anger arises from aversion, which arises from ignorance. Metta (loving-kindness) meditation is the direct antidote. There is no "righteous" anger in Buddhism—all anger causes suffering to the angry person. Source ✤

"To dominate others is strength; to dominate oneself is true power." (Tao Te Ching 33) Taoism teaches that anger disrupts the balance of yin and yang. Like water, the sage flows around obstacles rather than crashing into them. Confucianism emphasizes self-control (zhongyong—the means) as a virtue of junzi (gentlemanship). Anger is excess that must be balanced. Source ✤

"Ogun gives strength for battle, but Oxalá teaches peace." (Candomblé saying) In Candomblé and Umbanda, anger has its place—Ogum is a warrior, and there is time to fight. But uncontrolled anger harms axé. I hope, father of all, teach calm. Ebós can cool hot heads. The elders of the terreiro mediate conflicts. Umbanda teaches: "I unload" to remove heavy energy. The balance between strength and peace is the essence of wisdom. Source ✤

In African Traditional Religions, guidance on anger focuses on inner steadiness, awareness of emotion, and returning to calm attention. The tradition encourages observing the feeling without feeding it, then choosing a response aligned with clarity and care. The aim is to transform intensity into composure and wise action. Source ✤

"Krodh (anger) is one of the five thieves who steal peace." (Sikh Tradition) The five thieves (panj chor) are: kama (lust), krodh (anger), lobh (greed), moh (attachment) and ahankar (pride). Naam Simran (meditation on the divine Name) is the defense against all of them. Anger blinds a person to see God in all beings. Source ✤

"Do not be quick to become angry, for anger rests in the bosom of fools." (Ecclesiastes 7:9) The Talmud teaches that anger is like idolatry—the angry person is under the control of something other than God. However, there is a place for "holy anger" against injustice—Moses broke the tablets in anger. The key is that anger must serve a righteous purpose, not ego. Source ✤

"Anger and desire are veils that hinder the soul." (Bahá'u'lláh) The Bahá'í Faith teaches that controlling anger is part of spiritual development. Anger clouds judgment and prevents unity. Through prayer and service, believers can transform anger. 'Divine displeasure' at injustice differs from personal anger—the former motivates change, the latter destroys harmony. Source ✤

"An evil thought leads to an evil word and an evil deed." (Zoroastrian tradition) Uncontrolled anger violates the three precepts: good thoughts, good words, good deeds. Anger fuels Aeshma (demon of fury), a servant of Angra Mainyu. Controlling anger strengthens Ahura Mazda. Righteous anger against evil is different—it is choice, not loss of control. Source ✤

In Ancient Egyptian Religion, guidance on anger focuses on inner steadiness, awareness of emotion, and returning to calm attention. The tradition encourages observing the feeling without feeding it, then choosing a response aligned with clarity and care. The aim is to transform intensity into composure and wise action. Source ✤

In Sumerian Religion, guidance on anger focuses on inner steadiness, awareness of emotion, and returning to calm attention. The tradition encourages observing the feeling without feeding it, then choosing a response aligned with clarity and care. The aim is to transform intensity into composure and wise action. Source ✤

"May not your anger control you; may your tongue not condemn you." (Sumerian wisdom) Mesopotamian wisdom literature advised self-control. Kings prided themselves on clemency as much as strength. The gods punished hybris, including anger that exceeded limits. Even heroes like Gilgamesh learned lessons about controlling impulses. Source ✤

"Maat requer equilíbrio—a raiva é desequilíbrio." (Tradição egípcia) Maat, a ordem cósmica, depende de equilíbrio. A raiva descontrolada é força de Isfet (caos). O coração pesado de raiva falhará no julgamento. Autocontrole era virtude admirada. Sekhmet, deusa da raiva, era também deusa da cura—a energia deve ser transformada, não suprimida. Source ✤