Self-Hatred and “Righteous Anger"

Two modifications of ill-will which are quite prominent these days are self-hatred and righteous anger.

Self-hatred is internalized ill-will, which, while socially less reprehensible, is still not very skilful. Like self-doubt (and its shadow, narcissism), it has gained in prominence with the increase in the promotion of self-image and excessive thinking about self. However, this can be destructive and may lead to tragic consequences.

Its dynamic is quite absurd: there is one sense of self which hates another sense of self. How did this come about?

We all have aspects of our relative self which we are not proud of and maybe even dislike: who loves their hindrances? However, some people have a very harsh inner critic which often has a familiar voice: parent, sibling, teacher, spouse. Self-hate can also be a fairly complex interaction of guilt, blame, recrimination, etc. between the various ‘selfs’.

Righteous anger is a somewhat difficult emotion, since it appears to be a good thing or even virtuous. However, even though there is a ‘rightness’ about it, anger is not a skilful mental state. Just see how it ‘feels’ or how it affects your actions and speech.

We have some perception of injustice or unrighteous behaviour, and feel a noble sense that something must be done about it. The anger arises because what we perceive is repulsive to us. However, are our perceptions correct? Does this trigger some hurt within us? Is it fuelled by frustration?

When the Dalai Lama was asked at a conference of Buddhist teachers: ‘What can we do about the situation in Tibet?’, he surprisingly, but very wisely, said: ‘Keep informed.’ Too often we receive a snippet of well-polished propaganda which ignites passionate indignation to such a degree that it clouds wise reflection.

Coming across a righteous fool is very disorienting; you don’t know whether to have compassion for them or their cause. It is indeed good to support what is right, but bringing in anger can often make it wrong.

This reflection by Ajahn Thiradhammo is from the book Working with the Five Hindrances, in “Ill Will,” (pdf) pp. 91-92.