The transformative power of anger
During my visit to the eastern side of the stupa at Swayambhunath, often called the Monkey Temple in Kathmandu, I had the opportunity to delve into the profound teachings of the Vashra family. These provide a unique perspective on how to transform anger into mirror-like wisdom, a practice deeply rooted in the tradition of Vajrayana Buddhism.
The deities surrounding Buddha Vashra played an important role in this transformation. Each deity represents a different aspect of enlightenment and guides practitioners to convert negative emotions, such as anger, into wisdom. A particularly intriguing figure is Palnamo, often misrepresented as a destroyer of Buddhism. According to the story, she killed her own son in a moment of intense anger, a narrative that serves as a powerful metaphor for the destructive potential of uncontrolled anger. However, the teachings suggest that even such intense anger can be transformed into wisdom through practices such as Vashra meditation.
Vashra meditation, which I practiced at the stupa, is a profound method of letting go of anger. By focusing on Buddha Vashra and surrounding deities, meditation guides us to recognize the true nature of anger and to see it as a reflection (a mirror) of inner turmoil. Through this practice, we can learn to see our anger as an opportunity for deep self-reflection and transformation.
Reflecting on happiness at work
But how can we take this ancient wisdom and apply it to our modern work lives? The workplace often creates stress and frustration, which can easily turn into anger.
Anger is a feeling very similar to happiness, sadness or worry. Anger, in itself, is usually harmless. An emotion, like anger, can disappear or transform once you have had the opportunity to understand and process it. However, this becomes dangerous when left unprocessed and becomes the basis for an act or acts of aggression, violence or oppression.
By adopting the principles of Vashra meditation, we can learn to transform these negative emotions into a source of strength and knowledge. No matter at what level we practice Vajrasatva meditation, its goal is to purify us of karma. Karma (las) refers either to the uncontrollably recurring mental impulses that lead us to act, speak or think in a specific way, or to the impulses with which so-called “karmic actions” are carried out.
For example, imagine a situation where a colleague's actions cause a setback in the project. Instead of reacting with anger, we can pause and reflect, as in Vashra meditation. By viewing the situation as a mirror that reflects our inner state, we can choose to respond calmly and seek solutions instead of dwelling on blame.
Or consider a time when you felt overwhelmed by work pressures. By practicing transforming anger into wisdom, we can recognize that these feelings are temporary and learn to manage our emotions constructively, leading to a more harmonious and productive work environment.
What can we learn from the Vashra family?
The teachings of the Vashra family remind us that every negative emotion, including anger, has the potential to generate wisdom. By practicing mindfulness and meditation, we can transform these emotions into tools for personal and professional growth.
How do you think this approach could help you be happier and more effective at work? Have you tried applying similar techniques to manage stress or anger in your workplace? I would love to hear your experiences and thoughts.