Editing KRODHA - Vice or Virtue - a Deliberation

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{| class="wikitable infobox" style="float:right; margin:0 0 1em 1em; width:320px;"
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! colspan="2" style="text-align:center; font-size:120%; font-weight:bold;" | KRODHA - Vice or Virtue - a Deliberation
|-
| '''Category'''
| आन्वीक्षिकी विभाग / Vedic Philosophical and Cognitive Sciences
|-
| '''Author'''
| mukundan
|-
| '''Publication'''
| Bhāratīya Jñāna Saritā
|-
| '''Location'''
| India
|-
| '''Date'''
| Wed Oct 18 2017
|}

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<span style="font-family: &quot;book antiqua&quot;; font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: &quot;courier new&quot; , &quot;courier&quot; , monospace;"><span style="font-family: &quot;courier new&quot; , &quot;courier&quot; , monospace;"><span style="font-family: &quot;courier new&quot; , &quot;courier&quot; , monospace;">''<span style="line-height: 115%;">[Origina<span style="font-family: &quot;courier new&quot; , &quot;courier&quot; , monospace;">l Kannada Article </span>by Late Vidvan Chayapathy and English Rendering by <span style="font-family: &quot;courier new&quot; , &quot;courier&quot; , monospace;">Sri</span> <span style="font-family: &quot;courier new&quot; , &quot;courier&quot; , monospace;">K</span> <span style="font-family: &quot;courier new&quot; , &quot;courier&quot; , monospace;">Mukundan</span>]</span>''</span></span></span></span></span><br />

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<span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family: &quot;book antiqua&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">No one dares to approach a person with blood-shot eyes, trembling lips, frowning countenance and knitted brows and a roaring voice. This is nothing but a manifestation of ''Krodha'' (wrath or fury). This wrath born out of the mind, presents itself in various forms depending on a person’s constitution ''(prakrti)''. It is hard to find a person who doesn’t get into a rage, and rarer is to find a person who is not influenced by it or remains unaffected by its ill-effects.</span>

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'''''<span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family: &quot;book antiqua&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Fury in Different Contexts</span>'''''

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<span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family: &quot;book antiqua&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Fury is like a wayward stream which surges unexpectedly. It can also be sensed deep-down as a whirlpool underneath a stream that appears outwardly serene. We have heard that its realm extends from birds, animals and right up to the Trinity of Gods. Scriptures portray here and there that Rudra, one among the Trinity, was born out of wrath. The Bhagavatha Purana says that even Brahma and other Gods were terrified at the rage demonstrated by Lord Narasimha, one of the ''Avatars'' of Vishnu. Another school of thought portrays that God Rudra was created from the wrath of Brahma. We have also read that the ''[[Avatara|Avatara]] Purushas'', Rama and Krishna also exhibited their indignation under certain circumstances.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">  </span></span>

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<span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family: &quot;book antiqua&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">While extolling the virtues of Sri Rama, Sage Valmiki has portrayed his wrath as a quality “'''<u>Kaalagni Sadrushah Krodhe</u>'''” i.e. Rama resembles ''Kaalagni'' when He invites wrath. “Roudra” one of the ''Navarasas'' has its origin firmly embedded in ''Krodha''. This would mean a stable mental make-up of the Jeeva that has the propensity to develop and manifest as one of the ''Navarasas,'' as and when a conducive environment crops up. Likewise the ''Krodha Bhaava'' has played its role to engulf the whole world exhibiting its superiority. There is innumerable evidence to prove that ''Krodha'' has flaunted its spoilsport at all times and in all places of the world. Even in the absence of any proof this attribute has naturally got embedded in humans.</span>

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''<span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family: &quot;book antiqua&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“Krodha</span>''<span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family: &quot;book antiqua&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> is born out of ''Rajo Guna''. This leads to hell. It is a contrivance to calamity. It creates a worldly bondage. This finds a place among ''Arishadvargas'' (Six enemies of mankind - ''Kama, Krodha, Moha, Lobha, Mada and Matsarya)''. Wrath is an accumulated sin in the body.” – These are some of the defamatory abuses that we come across pertaining to ''Krodha''. ‘It is a slander that needs to be renounced.’ It is a vice-not at all a virtue. There cannot be any prosperity for mankind without sacrificing fury. It plagues the penance of ''Maharishis''. There is enough evidence in support of this. ''Krodha'' is a greater vice than virtue. It is a sin. There appears to be a great emphasis in all the literature, advocating its renunciation at all costs. </span>

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'''''<span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family: &quot;book antiqua&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The Deliberation</span>'''''

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<span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family: &quot;book antiqua&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">What is the reality behind all this? Is ''Krodha'' to be invariably renounced? Does it really find a place in life and creation? If so what is it? Or else is it an issue unworthy of deliberation? Has nothing good been done by ''Krodha'' to our life or this world? </span><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family: &quot;book antiqua&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Thus a rethink on these aspects with a mind free from any preconceived perception is justified.</span>

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<span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family: &quot;book antiqua&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">It is also true that ''krodha'' is a natural</span><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family: &quot;book antiqua&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> instinct, a provocation of the mind, not its evolution</span><span lang="EN-IN">.</span><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family: &quot;book antiqua&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> Its surge is very powerful too.</span><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family: &quot;book antiqua&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> Just as the force of water in a waterfall is harnessed as electricity to illuminate the world, the powerful surge of ''krodha'' could also be wisely controlled and utilised for the benefit of mankind. Wrath that instigates the mind could also soothe it. Is not the indignation of the doctor towards the disease beneficial to the patient? Does this not become a root cause for the eradication of the disease?</span>

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<span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family: &quot;book antiqua&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Is it true that whatever anger that gets evolved is a matter of injustice? The mind flares up in the form of anger against harassment and persecution. How can this anger be termed as unjust? If we do not get angry even when our own child goes out of track, we will be spoiling its future life. In this context anger is helpful in grooming the life of the child.</span>

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<span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family: &quot;book antiqua&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">There is no worthless thing in nature. In the same way ''Krodha'' which is also a product of Nature cannot be worthless if considered from this angle. Though it can be disastrous when it evolves at the wrong place and time, it can be as much beneficial if utilised at appropriate place and time.</span>

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<span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family: &quot;book antiqua&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">How are we to control the powerful surge of ''Krodha?'' We can think of its utilisation only when it can be harnessed. If we ponder over the circumstances and causes for its evolution, then we can think of keeping it under control in very many situations.</span>

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''<span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family: &quot;book antiqua&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Krodha</span>''<span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family: &quot;book antiqua&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> generated under circumstances leading to unacceptable desire, self-centered attitude, intolerance to others’ superiority, is surely disastrous. </span><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family: &quot;book antiqua&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">This detrimental anger is an evil.<span class="MsoCommentReference"><span style="line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></span></span><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family: &quot;book antiqua&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">If we investigate the root cause of anger, its just and unjust components will be unravelled. While the indignation evolved in appropriate situations for a just cause is ''satvic'' in nature, that which is born without any rhyme or reason, is ''tamasic'' in nature. This could become responsible for cruelty, dominance and evils of the society. That indignation which arises out of obsession for wealth, power and youthfulness is also ''tamasic'' in nature.</span>

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<span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family: &quot;book antiqua&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">It is true that, whatever be the cause for ''Krodha,'' it is a force to reckon with. It calls for wisdom, so much so, an art, to be able to control this force and utilise it beneficially, appropriate to the place and situation.</span>

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'''''<span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family: &quot;book antiqua&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Possessed by Anger </span>'''''

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<span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family: &quot;book antiqua&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">There are two cases to be considered-to be a victim of anger or to get angry. Getting consumed and becoming vulnerable to a fury that rushes without any reason, by due submission, would really be disastrous. The saying “</span><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family: &quot;book antiqua&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">a poor man can only grind his teeth in anger</span><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family: &quot;book antiqua&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">” just refers to the type of anger that evolves in a wrong situation. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have </span><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family: &quot;book antiqua&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">seen how people behave in a fit of rage, losing control over themselves and their actions.</span>

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<span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family: &quot;book antiqua&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Whatever be its root cause-reasonable or unreasonable this type of indignation only ushers in calamity. “Is it ever possible that a nose that has been cut in an act of fury reappear in its place?” This refers to the type of people who get impulsively infuriated. These people are possessed by anger. They are vulnerable to and fall a prey to anger. Many people lack the power to control their anger and utilise it, without others feeling the heat, fully aware of its intent and extent. Hence the world is mostly obsessed by anger. Such an anger that gushes out could play havoc. The altercations or infighting that is encountered in human life is mainly generated due to anger. That is why it is considered as an enemy. Remember our enemy always wishes our destruction. Is there a greater enemy to us than an anger which pounces on us unawares, putting us in peril? </span>

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'''''<span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family: &quot;book antiqua&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Controlled Anger</span>'''''

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<span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family: &quot;book antiqua&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">To get angry does not mean that you become vulnerable to it. Wisdom lies in controlling anger that is undesirable, by analysing its pros and cons- through deliberation, utilising its beneficial aspects, appropriate to time and place. People who possess this attribute have anger in their subordination. In fact anger obeys their dictates. Their anger can be likened to that present in a mother trying to correct an erring child. It is that shown by a farmer against a weed as well as that by a doctor against a disease.</span>

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<span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family: &quot;book antiqua&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">This type of anger that is discretionary in nature tends to be an attribute. It is not ordinary but a noble virtue. It has a friendly nature, not only beneficial but also congenial to humanity at large.</span>

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'''''<span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family: &quot;book antiqua&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Krodha</span><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family: &quot;book antiqua&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> of Sri Rama</span>'''''

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<span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family: &quot;book antiqua&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Valmiki who was aware of these mystical effects extolled ''Roudra'' or Indignation as one of the virtues of Rama. Rama gets angry but is not overpowered by it. His anger has an assigned goal. It is backed by wisdom. He is fully aware of the target of his anger, its cause and the extent of its limits that is to be exhibited. In case, he decides to outpour his anger without any limit, he becomes a volcano. In this case the destruction of the victim of this outburst is certain. However, till the situation warrants the annihilation of the erring individual, Rama will not utilise his anger for the purpose. His anger is not a violent stream. It likens to the impounded water in a reservoir waiting to be let out. No doubt, it gushes out when the gates of the reservoir are opened. It only washes out the dirt on the ground but not the crops. Similarly Sri Rama’s anger is targeted on evil–doers alone. It never goes out of control except for this purpose. The portrayal of Rama’s virtue of granting amnesty is likened to that of Mother Earth. ”'''<u>Kshamaya Prithvi Samah</u>'''” alongside the description of the role of Rama’s anger, depicts the expertise of the poet, in exploring the innate personality of Rama. This portrayal brings out the fact that Sri Rama is not only aware of the role of anger-as well as the role of granting pardon, but also has the wisdom to use them appropriately based on the context. Thus it can be seen that ''Krodha'' could also be a virtue. </span>

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'''''<span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family: &quot;book antiqua&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Krodha</span><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family: &quot;book antiqua&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> of Shiva</span>'''''

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<span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family: &quot;book antiqua&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">In the same way the ''krodha'' of Brahma, the personification of ''Jnana,'' is also a power of ''Jnana.'' Rudra, who evolved from his knitted brows, is an apostle of ''Jnana.''<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">  </span>The secret of yoga indicating realisation of Rudra at the junction of the eyebrows is also worthy of being noted in this context. In the same manner, the target of Shiva’s anger has always proved to be for the welfare of humanity. ''Kama'' was burned to ashes, through the third eye ''(Jnana Netra)'' of Shiva for attempting to win Him over against His wish. Shiva is neither obsessed by ''Kama'' nor by ''Krodha''. Likewise His ''Krodha'' is not of the type that develops ''Kama'' but only destroys it. ''Kama'' and ''Krodha'' cannot overpower Him by force. He is ''Isha,'' i.e. when Shiva Himself permits ''Kama'' for the welfare of the World, He would not oppose it. He thus becomes ''Kamesha.'' He will not allow ''kama'' to destroy His penance. That is why He is ''Jnana Vibhuthi''. His anger is also ''Jnana Vibhuthi''. Hence He is also the ''Samhara Murthy'' of ''Asuras''. In this way the anger of Rudra is the power of ''Jnana'' –not a vice.</span>

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'''''<span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family: &quot;book antiqua&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">For the Welfare of Society</span>'''''

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<span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family: &quot;book antiqua&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">When anger is utilised for the welfare of</span><span lang="EN-IN"> </span><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family: &quot;book antiqua&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Mankind, it does not work as a destructor of</span><span class="MsoCommentReference"><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></span><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family: &quot;book antiqua&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">penance. For the seeker of ''Samadhi Sthithi,'' who has withdrawn his mind after renouncing the sensory impulses, the force of anger that automatically surges within him, does destroy his penance. Having acquired the fruits of penance, if one seeks to utilise the anger that is not impulsive, for the punishment of the evil-doer, anger may not be destructive in nature. This aspect has to be decided in the context therein and the effects thereof.</span>

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<span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family: &quot;book antiqua&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">It is safe in all respects to express the anger in a controlled state suitably on an individual or in the family or in the national context. But the person needs to be in control of his anger but not being overpowered by it. That is to say he should be able to invoke anger as and when required while not being possessed by it. Just as a farmer removes the stones, thorns and weeds from his farm to improve its productivity, if a person is able to direct his anger within himself to eradicate his shortcomings that are encountered in his life his greatness will definitely record its growth. In the same way if elders in the family exhibit right anger in warranted situations, would not the family tend to become the abode of cultured behaviour? Similarly if national leaders target their anger on social enemies, will not the nation tread in righteous path? </span>

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<span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family: &quot;book antiqua&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Yama is not just a God of Death. Few qualities of Yama must be possessed by the King, according to the intuition of the ''Jnanis.'' It is a power that awards suitable blessing or punishment, based on rules and control, by impartially analysing the just and unjust deeds of the individual. If a king were to possess such a power, where is the need for worrying about the welfare of the State?</span>

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'''''<span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family: &quot;book antiqua&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">What if Anger is not Exhibited?</span>'''''

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<span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family: &quot;book antiqua&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">This is not all. If anger does not get exhibited in an individual, in the family, society, within nations, in suitable locations, situations, everything gets worse. The indifference of a farmer towards the weeds and garbage in his own farm could be suicidal. In the same way, is there any doubt, that a person could spoil his life, if he does not correct his vices by himself or when warned by others? Similarly we need not highlight the misdemeanour that could be encountered when anger is not exhibited in a family or society in warranted situations. If anger which is supposed to be directed against villainy, injustice and unrighteousness disappears from the scene, it dooms hell for the society and the Nation. If anger invariably manifests against injustice, public decorum is maintained. Therefore anger is certainly a virtue that safeguards public decorum. That is why fear against infamy is recognised as a noble virtue by elders.</span>

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'''''<span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family: &quot;book antiqua&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Summary</span>'''''

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<span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family: &quot;book antiqua&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Anger is a natural virtue of life. It is an inevitable aspect. Its absence may mean disaster.</span><span lang="EN-IN"> </span><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family: &quot;book antiqua&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Total renunciation is not advised for an anger based on wisdom.</span><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family: &quot;book antiqua&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> Anger that outpours and destroys life is necessarily to be renounced. In the same way anger that is backed by wisdom needs to be safeguarded. Therefore ''satvik'' anger is a virtue.</span>

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''<span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family: &quot;book antiqua&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Krodha</span>''<span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family: &quot;book antiqua&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> is a force to reckon with. It is also a power. It could ensure welfare or it can cause destruction. ''Krodha'' when utilised in a suitable context or situation with a good intention is definitely a source of nectar, just like a poison can also serve as a medicine. Thus it is not only essential for a ''jeeva,'' but also inevitable. The ''Krodha'' of Mahadeva is also a power of ''Jnana.'' </span>

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<span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family: &quot;book antiqua&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I submit this writing to the ''Jnana Vibhuthi'' of Mahadeva who is in the form of ''Jnana Shakti'' and the foremost well-wisher of this world, remembering that this article is born out of the inspiration of the wisdom accorded by Sriranga Mahaguru, who explored the mystery of the ''krodha'' that could ensure the welfare of the world.</span><br />

<span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family: &quot;book antiqua&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">[https://www.blogger.com/null ]</span>

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