Observing anger,

it is the face of fear we are actually seeing.

Seeing others act out of anger, we can find it tempting to shake our head and ponder. How can they be so angry? So ignorant? And even, So violent?

As our questioning continues, we find that we have gone past personal irritation. We have become angry ourselves. Discerning how we have again fallen into an emotional trap, we need to pause.

We need to realize the true essence of the problem—fear.

The person acting like a bully, shouting at others, and even becoming violent, may look strong. But those seemingly powerful actions are actually the manifestations of fear. Fear of losing what he has. Of never attaining what she has been assured is hers. Of remaining stuck while others are moving on. Of being viewed as no better than others, than those they are berating or acting against.

If we can see the face of fear lurking behind all that anger, we will recognize the true problem. And finally stand a chance of resolving it.

Discriminatory seeds and habits have been planted within each of us. . . .

“There is not a moment of laxness in their determination.”

“There is not a moment of laxness in their determination” means to keep on practicing diligently in one direction, towards one goal. There is no time for laxness in our practice. The body can relax a little bit, it’s alright. The mouth can relax, it’s alright. It's okay to take a break as long as the buddha-name is not interrupted in our mind. If we chant too long, we will get tired. We have to know how to adjust our body so that it is comfortable. We can chant the buddha-name, whether we stand, sit, walk, or recline. We can also chant loudly or softly, or even silently while we move our lips. In the latter, we can hear ourselves very clearly, but others cannot. Even if we chant in silence without moving our lips, it's all the same."

Commentary on the Infinite Life Sutra