We often think that anger will spur us on to taking action. For example, we think that it will strengthen our resolve and provide the energy we need to remedy a bad situation. But then in our practice, we are told to let go of our negative habits, like anger, that have arisen. To learn to detect the rising of such emotions and stop them from becoming stronger. How do we resolve this seeming conflict?

Underlying our anger in such circumstances is the wish to "do something." But the energy that comes from anger is blind, not insightful. Such anger burns through our good intentions and leaves us exhausted.

With clarity, we will be able to determine whether or not the situation can be allowed to play itself out without any harmful, negative consequences. If the situation looks like it will result in negative consequences, then our becoming angry will not help. Only with a clear, rational mind will, we discern the wisest way to react.