Happy Is the One Who Withstands the Surge of Desire and Anger
One who, here in this life, can withstand the surge that rises from desire and anger — that one is truly steadied, and truly happy.
In this verse I learn that happiness lies not in some great achievement but in the strength to withstand a moment's surge.
Unable to withstand the first few seconds when desire and anger surge, do I keep regretting too late?
📝Reflection
In this verse I learn that happiness lies not in some great achievement but in the strength to withstand a moment's surge. Get past the brief instant when desire and anger surge, and one usually escapes great regret, so those few seconds of endurance are the very muscle of happiness. This is less a command to crush the impulse than practical wisdom to hold on briefly until the wave breaks of itself at its peak. It is the same ground as the Buddhist teaching to take the first arrow but avoid the second. When an impulse surges, I keep practicing to endure just a few seconds before I react.
🌱Apply It Today
When an impulse surges today, before reacting, count slowly to five within, and wait for the wave to break.
This verse is read as universal humanistic wisdom, not religion — no faith is promoted, and the reflection is 100% original ONGO content.
