Can A Spiritual Person Be Angry?

Receiving Blessings

Can a Spiritual Person be Upset?

"I can't believe that I still feel jealous!"

"I lost my temper with my mother / child / colleague today"

"When I heard her voice over the telephone, I felt my stomach churn and anger arising."

Enlightened Man

Many of my friends in my 'spiritual circle' have commented that they seem to be more angry nowadays. There are also others who shared that they see a monk doing an unwholesome deed like smoking, or another monk who spends time stroking his pet cat - aren't monks supposed to be detached from worldly habits and possessions? Or are my friends being judgmental? Can one who is on a spiritual quest still be judgmental?

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My friend Lily was so excited and happy. She exclaimed "I just closed a deal! It is worth millions!" "Congratulations! Well done! I am so happy for you!" I responded.

However, my inner feelings were less than exuberant. I felt a wave of envy enveloping me. A small, inner voice said "How come she gets all the breaks?" Guilt popped up, "You lost it!" I started to beat myself up.

Whirling Dervish

After she left, I reflected on what happened. In spite of my continuous practice towards being more loving, I seem to be showing a downward slide in my progress.

When I shared my feelings with my teacher, his response was "Good. Congratulations. You are becoming more aware of your emotions." So, it is not true that I am getting worse (if you consider there are 'good' and 'bad ' feelings). I probably had feelings of anger, envy, greed, stubborn, righteous, vengeful, sad, disappointed, hatred, frustration, indifferent, indecisive etc,.) in the past but it was just that I was simply not aware of those feelings. Now that I am more conscious, I am able to to see those feelings arising.

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Reflection: It is not important that I still have 'negative' (or for that matter 'positive') thoughts and feelings. In fact, as long as we are in this physical human body, there will be times when we seem to be 'bad'. It is more important for me to check:-

1. Am I aware of my thoughts, feelings and actions?

2. How quickly do I realize I am not feeling 100% love?

3. What do I do to reclaim my power , and transform those thoughts and emotions?