Working with Anger: Buddhist Teachings on Patience, Acceptance, and Transforming Negativity

(Paperback)

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In a world increasingly characterized by divisive global politics, a guide for learning how to rethink contempt, resentment, and blame is both incredibly timely and valuable as such broader sentiments and perspectives are fed by the anger within. Anger plagues all of us on many levels and can be a formidable emotion to overcome. Yet, we see people, such as the Dalai Lama, who have faced circumstances far worse than many of us have faced-including exile, persecution, and the loss of many loved ones-but who do not burn with rage or seek revenge. Using the teachings and advice presented by Thubten Chodron, anyone can utilize her wisdom and guidance to calm their emotions, sit with and understand their anger, and peacefully move toward resolution and peace. Working with Anger presents a variety of Buddhist methods for subduing and preventing anger, not by changing what is happening, but by framing it differently. No matter our personal religion, learning to work with our anger is effective for everyone seeking personal happiness as well as world peace. Topics covered include- Recognizing the causes of anger and when our "buttons" are pushed Practicing patience Letting go of resentment and cultivating compassion Helping others work through their own anger As Chodron writes, we each long for harmony-in our hearts, souls, relationships, and societies-and this book aims to help accomplish just that. A Tibetan Buddhist nun offers her insights on anger, the ways that it manifests in our lives, and the ways that we can skillfully work to transform it, in this inspiring and humble guidebook. Anger plagues all of us on many levels and can be a formidable emotion to overcome. Yet, we see people, such as the Dalai Lama, who have faced circumstances far worse than many of us have faced-including exile, persecution, and the loss of many loved ones-but do not burn with rage or seek revenge. Using the teachings and advice presented by beloved Buddhist teacher Thubten Chodron, anyone can learn to calm their emotions, sit with and understand their anger, and peacefully move toward resolution and peace. Working with Anger presents a variety of Buddhist methods for subduing and preventing anger-not by changing what is happening but by framing our feelings and circumstances anew. As Chodron writes, we each long for harmony-in our hearts, relationships, and societies-and this book can help all of us to accomplish just that.

Reviews

Thubten Chodron offers her insights on anger, the ways that it manifests in our lives, and the ways that we can skillfully work to transform it. Both inspiring and humble in its approach, this book is sure to be a help to many.
Sharon Salzberg, meditation teacher and author of Lovingkindness

Thubten Chodron is one of our freshest voices of the dharma. Echoing the clarity of H.H. the Dalai Lama's own teachings on forgiveness and healing, in Working With Anger she brings us helpful, practical insights from her deep training in Himalayan wisdom traditions. Written in clear, user-friendly language, this superb handbook offers us concrete strategies for dealing effectively with the painful afflictions of anger, criticism, and betrayal in contemporary life situations. Can we ever tire of such necessary, good advice
Trevor Carolan, David See-Chai Lam Centre for International Communication

By presenting in everyday language the Buddhist methods for overcoming and preventing anger, Bhikshuni Thubten Chodron has made accessible time-tested practical guidelines that can be helpful for everyone.
Alexander Berzin, author of Relating to a Spiritual Teacher and Developing Balanced Sensitivity

In Working with Anger, Thubten Chodron offers us a kind and genuinely helpful guide to handling one of the greatest challenges in living an emotionally intelligent life.
Daniel Goleman, author Emotional Intelligence

Working with Anger is a wonderful, wise, and life-changing book. Written in Ani Thubten Chodron's characteristic accessible style, generously laced with examples drawn from daily life, the book is filled with practical strategies on how to free ourselves from anger, resentment, and envy. If you are looking for a practical guide to overcome anger and live with greater tolerance, love, and forgiveness, I highly recommend this book.
Howard C. Cutler, MD, coauthor of The Art of Happiness

Here we have a psychology that leads to true liberation. . . . What I like here is that this work is not just about moralizing and sermonizing, but gives practical, useable techniques to neutralize anger. . . . It has a clarity and simplicity that can only come from someone who actually lives what she writes. Highly recommendable.
Diamond Fire

Presented with clarity, wit, anecdotes, and examples, the material is easy to read and to absorb. If you have an anger problem (who doesn't) or are dealing with someone who does (who isn't), you will be glad you found this book.
Light of Consciousness

Combining the teachings drawn from Shantideva and the lojong teachings of Tibetan Buddhism with present-day examples, Chodron presents a compelling and accessible guide for practitioners in the Western dharma community.
Sangha Journal

Author Bio

Thubten Chodron, an American-born Tibetan Buddhist nun, travels worldwide, teaching and leading meditation retreats. Known for her clear and practical explanations of the Buddha's teachings, she is the author of Buddhism for Beginners; Working with Anger; How to Free Your Mind; Open Heart, Clear Mind; and Taming the Mind. She lives in Seattle, Washington.