Expert: Bodhicitta - 5/12/2006

Question
Hi Bodhicitta,

Thank you for taking the time to assist me.

I am fairly new to Buddhism and I have been trying to get my head round everything I have taken in to date.  Although I am feeling some wonderful benefits already there is one area the troubles me.

I have recently read a couple of books written by H.H. the Dalai Lama.  In them he talks about removing negative feelings (anger, jealousy etc) from my life.  Although I totally agree with the concept I am finding in difficult to put it in to practise.  

When I have feelings of anger and frustration I find myself trying to suppress these feelings.  I'm not sure if this is the correct approach but I just feel worse afterwards.  The anger and frustration just builds up until I have no choice but to let them out.

Can you help me to understand where I am going wrong?

Thanks
Andy


Answer
Dear Andy,
Thanks for your question.

It is not good to suppress negative emotions. In fact it isn't possible.

There are a number of ways of dealing with negative emotions in Buddhism. The first level is to live a more disciplined life so that there is less negativity in your life. This allows you to start meditation and start to tame your mind. The second level is to start to be more aware of yoru negative emotions and where they come from.
The third level is to start to transform the negative emotions into buddha wisdom.

As someone new to Buddhism you should seek a teacher and train in basic meditation. The training with negative emotions will come later. Maybe though as an inspiration for the future you could see if you can catch the moment
when anger arises. Maybe this moment itself is full of wisdom!


I wish you well,

Bodhicitta
http://www.bodhicitta.co.uk