Anger as a Tool of Compassion (2020)

10-4-20

In this talk at the Tampa Center, Dharma teacher Fred Eppsteiner teaches us about the emotional pull of anger and how it is the source of so much suffering. Anger comes from the self, and reduces living beings to “enemies.” Fred explains wrathful compassion which arises through compassion and wisdom. This wrathful compassion is not self-concerned, and does not blame, separate, and hate others. It is out of concern for others, the world, and all living beings that this wrathful emanation arises.

Fred teaches how to navigate the world with so much emotionality in it, though cultivating stability and clarity by asking “Is it true?” Our practices of Dharma are not just “add ons” but are necessities for living a wholesome life. Fred encourages us to set up boundaries, for how we use technologies, devices, and media. We can as “is this nourishing me in wholesome ways?”

Fred explains how to ground ourselves in our present moment reality with our intentions and mindfulness. So that we can cultivate a peaceful and clear mind in which we can then use as the base for interactions in the world.