A Dharma Talk on Anger and Letting Go

In life, we all face challenges and difficult moments. Sometimes, these challenges bring up emotions like frustration, anger, or resentment. But as we walk the path of yoga and self-discovery, we are reminded of the importance of releasing these negative emotions. Today, I want to share a story that beautifully illustrates the truth that carrying anger only hurts yourself.

The Story of Two Monks by the River

Once, two monks were traveling together on a journey. They had been walking for many days through the mountains, and as they came to a river, they encountered a young, beautiful woman who was standing at the riverbank. She was in distress, unable to cross the fast-flowing water.

Without hesitation, the older monk approached the woman and offered to help her. With great care, he lifted her in his arms and carried her across the river. Once they had crossed, he gently set her down on the other side and continued his journey, without a second thought.

The younger monk, however, had been silently observing. As they continued their walk, he became more and more troubled by the encounter. After some time, he could no longer hold his thoughts in. He finally spoke up, saying to the older monk:

"How could you carry that woman? She was so beautiful, and it’s not proper for a monk to be in such close contact with a woman. How could you do that? I am upset by what you did."

The older monk, calm and composed, turned to the younger monk and replied:

"I put the woman down at the riverbank, hours ago. But you are still carrying her."

The Lesson: Letting Go of Anger and Attachment

This story holds a profound lesson about the nature of anger and attachment. The younger monk, although he had physically moved on from the river, was still holding onto his anger, judgment, and frustration. He was allowing these emotions to affect his mind and his peace, long after the situation had passed.

The older monk, on the other hand, understood that holding onto anger and attachment only weighs us down. He helped the woman when it was needed, and then he simply let the moment go. He didn’t allow the situation to disturb his peace or his practice. He understood that anger and attachment don’t serve us; they only create unnecessary suffering.

In yoga, we learn the importance of letting go. We practice non-attachment (Aparigraha), one of the Yamas in Patanjali’s Eight Limbs of Yoga, which teaches us to release our grip on things, people, and emotions that no longer serve us. This includes the feelings of anger or resentment that can arise from challenging situations. Just as the younger monk held onto his judgment and anger, we too can hold onto negative emotions that cloud our hearts and minds.

How Anger Hurts You

When we carry anger, we are not punishing the person we are angry with. We are punishing ourselves. Anger consumes our energy, clutters our minds, and disturbs our inner peace. It doesn’t change the past or the actions of others, but it does hinder our ability to move forward.

The practice of yoga teaches us to observe our emotions without being controlled by them. Through practices like meditation, pranayama (breathing exercises), and mindful movement, we cultivate the awareness to releasewhat no longer serves us. By letting go of anger, we create space for healing, forgiveness, and inner peace.

Letting Go on the Yoga Mat

In our yoga practice, we often find moments where our mind becomes distracted, and negative emotions arise. Perhaps we become frustrated when we can’t reach a certain pose or when our body feels tired or stiff. Instead of letting those emotions take hold, we can use our practice to let go.

If you find yourself becoming frustrated or angry during your practice, use it as an opportunity to pause, take a deep breath, and release that emotion. Acknowledge it, but don’t let it define your practice. The mat is a sacred space where you can practice acceptance, both of yourself and the present moment.

How to Practice Letting Go in Daily Life

1. Acknowledge Your Emotions: When you feel anger or frustration arise, take a moment to check in with yourself. What triggered the emotion? Simply noticing it without judgment is the first step toward releasing it.

2. Breathe: Take a deep breath, and with each exhale, imagine releasing the tension and anger in your body. Deep breathing activates the parasympathetic nervous system, helping you calm down and regain your inner balance.

3. Practice Mindfulness: Notice when you are holding onto negative emotions, whether it’s anger, resentment, or judgment. Observe these emotions without becoming attached to them. Let them come and go, like clouds passing through the sky.

4. Forgiveness: If someone has hurt you, forgiveness doesn’t mean you condone their actions, but it means you release the hold that the situation has on your heart. Remember, forgiveness is for you, not the other person.

5. Non-Attachment: In yoga, we practice non-attachment by learning to let go of the need to control everything, whether it’s the outcome of a pose or the actions of others. By releasing our attachment to these things, we free ourselves from unnecessary suffering.

Final Thoughts: Peace Begins Within

The lesson from the story of the young monk and the older monk is simple yet powerful: carrying anger only hurts yourself. When we hold onto negative emotions, we allow them to take root in our hearts and minds, robbing us of peace. The key is to acknowledge the emotion, let go, and move forward.

Yoga provides us with the tools to cultivate this awareness and practice letting go. Through mindfulness, meditation, and breathwork, we learn to release the weight of anger and judgment and create space for healing and peace.

Next time you feel anger arise, remember the story of the monks. Ask yourself: "Am I still carrying this anger, even though the situation has passed?" And in that moment, allow yourself to let go. Your inner peace is worth it.

At Asana Tribe Yoga Spain, we are here to guide you on your journey to emotional freedom, peace, and self-awareness. Join us for yoga classes and dharma talks that encourage you to connect with your inner wisdom and practice letting go.