Rubin Museum of Art

Anger

A distorted mental state that can amplify negative attitudes and lead to impulsive, harmful actions. In Buddhism it is considered one of the three poisons, along with ignorance and desire, that are the main sources of suffering and perpetuate the cycle of death and rebirth known as samsara.

Art 1 Spiral 5

Wrathful Activity, Fierce Energy

2018

Illustration of a figure against a green background, with their head depicted as a flame containing a single white eye at the center

The Healing Power of Wrath

Delayed feelings of anger often signal the path toward greater clarity and honesty

Healing Personal Perspectives

Anger’s Call to Moral Action

Behavioral theory can explain when this emotion becomes fuel for good

Science Activism Magazine

Black Cloak Mahakala

Wrathful Imagery in Tibetan Buddhist Art

A look at the complex symbolism of wrathful deities

Scholarly Perspectives Buddhism Traditional Himalayan Art Magazine

Circle in the Square

How the Mandala Lab builds on the Rubin Museum's storied architecture

Behind the Scenes Buddhism Music Contemporary Art Forms Magazine

Handling Anger with Mindfulness and Compassion

A meditation teacher explores the role of anger in everyday life