How to Transform Anger into Mercy

This article discusses how to transform anger into mercy. The author argues that the Hinayana practice of suppression is not sufficient to completely uproot the roots of anger. Instead, the Mahayana practice of sunyata, which is the realization of the emptiness of self, is necessary to truly transform anger into mercy.

Questions

• What is the Hinayana practice of suppression?
• Why is the Hinayana practice of suppression not sufficient to completely uproot the roots of anger?
• What is the Mahayana practice of sunyata?
• How does the Mahayana practice of sunyata transform anger into mercy?

Answers

• The Hinayana practice of suppression is the attempt to control anger by suppressing it.
• The Hinayana practice of suppression is not sufficient to completely uproot the roots of anger because it does not address the underlying cause of anger, which is the belief in a self.
• The Mahayana practice of sunyata is the realization of the emptiness of self. This means realizing that there is no permanent, unchanging self that is the source of anger.
• The Mahayana practice of sunyata transforms anger into mercy by revealing the interconnectedness of all beings. When we realize that we are all empty of self, we see that there is no one to be angry at. Instead, we feel compassion for all beings who are suffering.