Another chapter in the Dhammapada is titled 'The Elephant'. I really like this chapter.
'My mind went wandering about as it liked, but I shall now hold it in thoroughly, as the rider who holds the hook holds in the furious elephant'. That is not a direct quote, but close enough.
I get into discussions with people about controlling one's mind. Back in the hippie days and on into the seventies, people made a virtue of 'telling it like it is'. Let it all hang out etc. Well, I have some sympathy for this idea, but I have found that not allowing angry thought is a better way to go. Words spoken in anger can wound for one whole lifetime and even continue into later lives if the hurt one feels blossoms out to hurt others. If the angry thought is suppressed, eventually it will fade away. If not, it will fester on and influence speech and action.
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