Baba's Storytime - Anger

Anger comes from temper inside and one who yields to this bout of temper is bound to suffer. You should control anger and avoid talking or acting while in an angry mood. Another instance of how anger gets the better of even a very good person can be cited from the Mahaabhaaratha. 

 Ashvathaama prayed to Kaali to help him to keep his vow of killing the Paandavas before sunset next day and got a sword from her. Dhraupadhi heard about this and said: "The Paandavas are the five life-principles and I am the sixth. How can I live after they are gone?" 

So saying, she prayed to Krishna as He was always their saviour whenever they were in trouble. Krishna appeared before her and asked her why she had called Him. She explained how Ashvathaama had obtained a sword from Kaali with Her blessings for his killing the Paandavas before sunset next day. 

Krishna said: "The word of Mother Goddess has to be fulfilled. At the same time the Paandavas have to be protected as they are my devotees. I shall have to devise a master plan."  He summoned sage Dhuurvaasa. Though God can act on His own, sometimes He uses others as instrument. Dhuurvaasa was glad to have dharshan of Lord Krishna and asked Krishna as to why he was called. When Krishna said his help was needed, he remarked that everyone needed God's help and it was strange that God was seeking his help. 

Dhuurvaasa said: "Lord, I shall surely follow your command." Krishna disclosed His Master Plan. He asked Dhuurvaasa to prepare a pit large enough to hide the Paandavas therein. He said: "You should spread some branches of tree to cover the pit and sit on the top of the pit. Ashvathaama will come to you. You may tell the truth, but change only the tone." 

Ashvathaama came in the afternoon and prayed to Dhuurvaasa in all humility to disclose the whereabouts of the Paandavas, as he was a Thrikaalajnaani (one who knows the past, the present and the future). Dhuurvaasa said in an angry tone: "The Paandavas are under my feet." As everyone knew the effects of Dhuurvaasa's rage, Ashvathaama did not dare to proceed further and incur the sage's dreaded wrath. He slipped away from the place. By that time the sun had set and the Paandavas were saved. 

God's signs of pretending to get angry are only for the good of others and to protect humanity. God has to act in different ways in different situations. God has no anger in Himself. When He takes human form He has to act as a human.

(From the Divine Discourses of Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba)