Why even spiritual people get angry (and it’s completely fine)
Charu Sharma | Jul 12, 2025, 16:06 IST
( Image credit : Freepik, Timeslife )
We often think that spirituality means calmness , but it's not always right. This article looks at the misunderstood connection between spirituality and anger. It challenges the idea that spiritual people must always stay calm. Using ancient texts, emotional psychology, and personal reflection, it shows how anger is not a weakness but a signal. Anger often points to boundaries, truth, or the need for healing. By embracing anger instead of pushing it down, spiritual seekers can grow, gain clarity, and turn rage into a strong, sacred force for self-awareness.
Spirituality is often marketed as eternal peace , chanting in candlelight, meditating through storms of life, communicating solely in softness. But what happens when the “calm one” in the group yells, breaks down, or snaps? Guilt follows. Shame comes behind. “Didn't i already overcome this?” “Have I failed in my path?” "Wasn't I better than this?" Here’s the truth no one tells you: spiritual humans get angry too. And it’s not a contradiction. It’s human. It’s healing. In this article we will explore why anger is not a spiritual failure, how it can serve as a teacher, and why allowing it to exist might actually bring you back to yourself, and closer to God.
Anger is often seen as the enemy of peace, but it is actually a strong emotional energy trying to protect you. It appears when your truth gets ignored, when your boundaries are crossed, or when something important feels violated. Instead of calling it “bad” or "unspiritual" try asking: What is this anger trying to tell me? Even in Indian mythology, figures like Lord Shiva and Goddess Durga show divine rage. This teaches us that anger, when recognized, can also be sacred. Suppressing it doesn’t make you grow. Understanding it does.
Many spiritual groups promote the idea of “just let it go,” sometimes too quickly This idea leads to what is known as spiritual bypassing, which means avoiding emotional work by masking it with spiritual talk. When you are expected to always forgive, remain calm, and choose peace, you might end up pushing down your pain. However, buried emotions do not vanish , they linger and grow. Then one day you snap. Genuine spirituality lets you feel your emotions first, process them next, and only release them when you are ready. Anything else is just acting, not true peace.
People often forget that the Gita starts with Arjuna crying. He is confused and emotionally overwhelmed. Krishna doesn't ignore his pain , he meets him in the middle and guides him through it. Many spiritual traditions, sacred texts and stories show anger, grief, and emotional struggle. These feelings are not signs of weakness. They are what we call , the raw material for transformation. Your emotions are not barriers to spiritual growth. They are invitations. Emotions, including anger and breakdowns, often open the first doors to deeper understanding and a connection with the divine.
Not every anger is harmful or destructive. Often, it serves as your soul's alarm system, signalling that something is off. When someone who has been quiet for a long time finally voices their thoughts, it might come out as anger. And that's fine. It’s a natural response. Anger can be a gateway emotion, protecting the sadness, hurt, or betrayal underneath. If expressed mindfully, this "sacred rage" can bring about healing and inner clarity instead of turmoil. When you allow anger to move through you , it can clear the path for the truth.
Being spiritual doesn’t mean you should never feel anger. It means learning to face your anger with awareness, not judgment. Here’s how:
~Pause and breathe instead of reacting immediately.
~Name your anger-“I’m hurt because I felt dismissed.”
~Release it consciously , however you want - cry, journal, or scream in a safe place.
~Reflect afterward - Did i cross a boundary? Was a wound triggered?
~Respond with clarity once the fire has settled.
The goal is not to avoid anger completely , it’s to handle it without letting it control you.
So in the end : You are allowed to feel different emotions . You are allowed to express those emotions . You are allowed to be angry . You are allowed to breakdown. You can be both soft and strong, peaceful and passionate, light and full of fire. Spirituality isn’t just about smiling all the time. It’s about being your whole self even with tears, rage or healing, all of it. Even the Divine feels anger. So when you do, remember this: You’re not failing your path. You’re simply being fully human on it.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) :
1. Anger isn’t unspiritual- It’s just unprocessed energy
Anger is often seen as the enemy of peace, but it is actually a strong emotional energy trying to protect you. It appears when your truth gets ignored, when your boundaries are crossed, or when something important feels violated. Instead of calling it “bad” or "unspiritual" try asking: What is this anger trying to tell me? Even in Indian mythology, figures like Lord Shiva and Goddess Durga show divine rage. This teaches us that anger, when recognized, can also be sacred. Suppressing it doesn’t make you grow. Understanding it does.
2. Spiritual But Still Suppressed? Let’s Talk About That
smiling but with cracks underneath
( Image credit : Times Life Bureau )
Many spiritual groups promote the idea of “just let it go,” sometimes too quickly This idea leads to what is known as spiritual bypassing, which means avoiding emotional work by masking it with spiritual talk. When you are expected to always forgive, remain calm, and choose peace, you might end up pushing down your pain. However, buried emotions do not vanish , they linger and grow. Then one day you snap. Genuine spirituality lets you feel your emotions first, process them next, and only release them when you are ready. Anything else is just acting, not true peace.
3. Even the sacred texts don’t silence emotions-they nurture them
Arjuna crying with krishna by his side
( Image credit : Times Life Bureau )
People often forget that the Gita starts with Arjuna crying. He is confused and emotionally overwhelmed. Krishna doesn't ignore his pain , he meets him in the middle and guides him through it. Many spiritual traditions, sacred texts and stories show anger, grief, and emotional struggle. These feelings are not signs of weakness. They are what we call , the raw material for transformation. Your emotions are not barriers to spiritual growth. They are invitations. Emotions, including anger and breakdowns, often open the first doors to deeper understanding and a connection with the divine.
4. When the soul screams : The holy fire of rage
woman standing under thunderstorm
( Image credit : Freepik )
Not every anger is harmful or destructive. Often, it serves as your soul's alarm system, signalling that something is off. When someone who has been quiet for a long time finally voices their thoughts, it might come out as anger. And that's fine. It’s a natural response. Anger can be a gateway emotion, protecting the sadness, hurt, or betrayal underneath. If expressed mindfully, this "sacred rage" can bring about healing and inner clarity instead of turmoil. When you allow anger to move through you , it can clear the path for the truth.
5. How to handle anger mindfully (Without any shame)
person writing their thoughts
( Image credit : Freepik )
Being spiritual doesn’t mean you should never feel anger. It means learning to face your anger with awareness, not judgment. Here’s how:
~Pause and breathe instead of reacting immediately.
~Name your anger-“I’m hurt because I felt dismissed.”
~Release it consciously , however you want - cry, journal, or scream in a safe place.
~Reflect afterward - Did i cross a boundary? Was a wound triggered?
~Respond with clarity once the fire has settled.
The goal is not to avoid anger completely , it’s to handle it without letting it control you.
So in the end : You are allowed to feel different emotions . You are allowed to express those emotions . You are allowed to be angry . You are allowed to breakdown. You can be both soft and strong, peaceful and passionate, light and full of fire. Spirituality isn’t just about smiling all the time. It’s about being your whole self even with tears, rage or healing, all of it. Even the Divine feels anger. So when you do, remember this: You’re not failing your path. You’re simply being fully human on it.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) :
- Is anger a sign of spiritual weakness?No, it’s a sign you’re emotionally alive and still growing.
- What if I hurt someone during anger?Reflect on it , repair and learn. Healing is still spiritual work.
- Can anger be a spiritual teacher?Yes , it shows you what matters to your soul.
- Can spiritual people express anger healthily?Yes, through awareness, boundaries, and reflection.