Having developed the wish that one would like to reduce one’s hatred and anger and overcome them, if one simply wishes or prays that anger and hatred no longer arise, or simply prays that they just disappear, this will not make it happen. In addition, if one tries to do something when hatred or anger has already arisen it is unlikely to have much effect since at that moment one’s mind is gripped by the intensity of anger and hatred. At that instant, to try to apply something to stop that arisal is a bit foolish; one is already almost out of control.
So the best method is first of all is to identify what factors normally give rise to anger and hatred.
~ The Dalai Lama, Healing Anger