What is more useful is to say that anger, like other emotions, is an emotional state, that it is normal for human beings to become angry at times, that the causes of anger can be determined, that its causes should be addressed, and that anger should be dealt with in productive healthy ways. This reconciles modern knowledge and insights with the Buddha’s basic views that the causes of suffering can be determined, can be addressed, and should be addressed.

If one is prepared to accept the premises that the Buddhist views about the universe, evolution, and the Self can be updated in accord with modern science and psychology, and if one is prepared to believe that only one life---this life---is the actual certain reality, then Buddhist principles offer marvelous guides for daily living and personal fulfillment.

The Buddha, the “Enlightened One,” some 2500 years ago taught that life involves suffering for all and great suffering for some. He taught that the causes of suffering can be found and should be sought. He taught that once one understands the causes of suffering, one can and should do something about them, in order to end the suffering.

He saw ignorance, hate, and overwhelming desire as three fundamental causes of suffering in human lives but believed that they can be dealt with. This makes a great deal of sense. It is underlying theory for some forms of modern therapy.

The Buddha suggested an approach to life in order to accomplish all this. This “Noble Eightfold Path” is a very broad prescription for how to live one’s life each day and for the long term.