A Choice

Anger usually comes from preoccupation with self. This other one has injured this self so precious to me, insulted or denigrated this ego that is separate from all others. Spiritually-minded people feel a common identity with others, so they do not give way easily to anger. Meditation-and T’ai Chi Chih-tranquilize the mind without dulling it.

To those quick to anger, I would suggest sleeping on it before countering in any way. Once anger-and sometimes violence-is vented on another, it is too late to recall it. Ahimsa means non-injury in thought, action and intent. To act differently is to dig the pit of Karma, we make our own future.

T’ai Chi Chih is softness in action, like the bamboo that bends gracefully before the wind but does not break. No-one is doing it; T’ai Chi Chih is doing T’ai Chi Chih. There is a timeless moment as we flow effortlessly through very heavy air.

At risk of sounding “preachy,” let me say: Be honest with yourself. Don’t rationalize. Do you find your actions accord with your words–honestly? If you find out who and what you are, they certainly will. But your motive and ambitions may get in your way. Don’t judge them; just recognize them for what they are. That is enough. Ah, a world without anger!