If unfulfilled lust leads to anger, where was the lust behind Parashurama’s anger?

Podcast:

We often have a very narrow understanding of the word ‘kama’. While it can refer to lust, including sexual desire, ‘kama’ also has a profoundly positive connotation.

In the context of the four Purusharthas—Dharma, Artha, Kama, and Moksha—’kama’ signifies desire. Krishna himself states in the Bhagavad Gita, “Dharmaviruddho Bhuteshu Kamo’smi Bharatarshabha” (I am Kama in beings which is not contrary to Dharma). This means desire is vital for all living beings.

Sometimes, as spiritualists, we might think that being free from desires would make our spiritual life more focused and less distracted. While that’s possible, it’s not always necessary. In today’s world, a lack of desire can be a direct path to depression. One of the defining characteristics of depression is indeed a lack of desire; people simply don’t feel like doing anything.

If our overall consciousness is in the mode of ignorance or even passion, a decrease in desires can lead us to feel aimless and sink into depression. We might feel nothing is desirable or achievable. However, when we are in the mode of goodness and desires naturally diminish, it can be beneficial, allowing us to focus on higher truths. In pure goodness, desires don’t disappear; rather, the desire to serve Krishna increases.

The main point is this: if we understand ‘kama’ as broadly encompassing desire, then desire itself is not inherently bad. When our desires are obstructed, anger can arise.

Now, some anger is undesirable. In the Bhagavad Gita (Chapter 2, Verse 62), Krishna describes a sequence: contemplating tempting objects leads to desire. When this desire is thwarted, whether consciously or subconsciously, anger can erupt. This is the “why can’t I get it?” or “who can stop me?” type of anger that stems from unhealthy desires.

However, when a desire is for something unholy or harmful, that ‘kama’ is considered negative. But there are times when we are pursuing something important, and obstruction leads to anger. This anger, while it might eventually lead to negative actions, isn’t inherently bad. It simply indicates that we care.

Consider Parashurama’s case. His ‘kama’ was not unhealthy lust but a healthy desire. He deeply cared for his father, for the protection of the Brahmins, and for preventing Kshatriyas from becoming tyrannical. When he witnessed these values being violated, he became angry.

So, when a healthy desire is obstructed, the resulting anger can also be healthy. This doesn’t mean it’s automatically justified or that its expression is always appropriate. Even with a healthy desire, anger can be excessive or misplaced in its manifestation. Therefore, we must be careful in expressing anger.

In conclusion, while the thwarting of desire leads to anger, it’s not always a negative outcome. Sometimes, both the desire and the resulting anger can be justifiable and even positive.