Readings from the Buddha

117.
Suppose an enemy has hurt you In his own domain.
Why should you annoy yourself
And hurt your mind in your domain?

In tears you left your family,
They who were kind and helpful always.
So why not leave behind your enemy
And the anger that brings so much harm?

This anger which you embrace
Eats away at the very roots
Of all the virtues you strive to develop.
Who would be such a fool?

Someone else does evil deeds
And you get angry.
Why?
Do you wish to copy him
And act as he does?

Suppose someone, to annoy,
Provokes you to do some evil act.
Why allow anger to arise and thus
Do exactly as he wants you to do?

If you get angry
Then maybe he will suffer, maybe not.
But by feeling anger yourself
You certainly do suffer.

If enemies blinded by anger
Are content to walk the path of woe,
Do you wish to follow them
By getting angry yourself?

If a foe provokes you
To hurt yourself by getting angry,
Let that anger subside.
Do not harm yourself needlessly.

Vsm.IX.22