Anger, Desire, and the Inner Fire, Transforming Krodha and Kama (Gita)
- Nov 28, 2025
- 4 min read
Introduction, Two Energies the Gita Treats as Sacred
In the Bhagavad Gita, anger (krodha) and desire (kama) are not simply “bad qualities.” They are powerful forces that can cloud discernment when unmanaged, but they are also expressions of raw life energy.
IFS sees them similarly. Anger and desire often rise from firefighters, protectors who rush in to soothe or smother discomfort. When they take over, the system acts quickly, impulsively, or explosively.
This blog explores how to work with these energies in a way that honors their purpose without letting them dominate your life.
Understanding Krodha, Anger in the Gita
Krodha in the Gita is described as a force that flares when clarity is lost. It is not a sin, not a failure, not a moral stain. It is simply what happens when pain, fear, or unmet longing erupts through the body.
In IFS language, krodha often comes from:
protectors shielding exiles
parts terrified of powerlessness
young parts who never learned safe expression
firefighters trying to stop shame or fear
Seeing anger as a part removes the shame and opens the door to compassion.
Understanding Kama, Desire in the Gita
Kama is often misinterpreted as lust alone. In the Gita, it refers to any longing, craving, or pull toward something we think will complete us.
IFS sees kama as:
a part seeking comfort
a part trying to regulate pain
a part craving closeness, relief, or pleasure
a firefighter acting quickly to soothe an exile
Desire, like anger, is not wrong. It simply needs relationship and regulation.
When Anger and Desire Are Firefighters
Firefighter energy is fast, hot, and urgent. The system feels overwhelmed, so something bursts forward.
Examples:
the impulse to yell
the craving to escape into food or sex
compulsive behaviors
sudden shutdown or withdrawal
urges that feel irresistible
The Gita teaches that such impulses arise from inner agitation, not from your deepest Self. IFS teaches how to be with that agitation without letting it override your choices.
Working with Craving, Compulsion, and Reactivity
Here are simple, non therapeutic but deeply supportive approaches for personal practice.
Name the Energy, Not the Identity
Instead of saying: I’m furious I can’t control myself I’m too much
Shift it to: A part of me is extremely activated A part of me wants relief A part of me feels overwhelmed
This instantly creates space.
Find What the Part Is Protecting
Behind every flare of anger or craving is an exile who hurts. Ask softly inside: "What are you trying so hard to protect?"
You don’t need an answer right away. Just curiosity shifts the entire pattern.
Soothe the Body, Not the Behavior
Anger and desire are not thoughts, they are heat. Soothing the body lowers the pressure inside the system:
cold water on the wrists
grounding touch
stepping outside for air
placing a hand over the chest or belly
This is not bypass, it is regulation.
Converting Raw Energy Into Wise Action
In the Gita, the warrior Arjuna learns that inner fire is meant to serve clarity, not chaos.When Self leads the system, anger becomes boundary. When Self leads the system, desire becomes devotion.
You do not suppress these energies. You redirect them.
A few examples:
anger → naming a need clearly
desire → moving toward connection consciously
frustration → taking one empowered action
craving → caring for the exile beneath the urge
Energy is never the problem. Lack of relationship is.
Fire Practice, Urge Surfing With Parts
This practice stays at a general, non clinical level. The deeper therapeutic protocol will belong in your future course.
Step 1, Notice the Urge Where is it in the body? Heat in the chest, Tight jaw, Pull in the stomach
Step 2, Say Internally I’m here, I’m not pushing you away
Step 3, Breathe Around the Edges Not into the urge, but around it.This cools the system without suppressing the part.
Step 4, Ask the Part "What do you need right now?" Often the answer is attention, reassurance, or space.
Step 5, Surf the Wave Most urges peak and fall within 90 seconds once they are witnessed. Self energy cools the flame.
Pre Trigger and Post Trigger Scripts (Gita Inspired)
Pre Trigger (before stress hits)
I trust my inner steadiness
If heat rises, I
will stay present
My parts do not have to act alone
Post Trigger (after an outburst, craving, or impulsive moment)
That was a part doing its best to protect me
I’m here now
We can slow down
You’re not in trouble
This removes shame and restores connection.
Values Reconnection, Finding the Fire’s True Purpose
In the Gita, every strong emotion is ultimately pointing us toward dharma. A simple reflection you can offer yourself:
What value was this part trying to protect?
What mattered so much that anger rose?
What longing underneath the desire needs to be honored?
This turns the moment from a failure into a doorway.
Closing, The Fire Was Never the Enemy
Krodha and kama do not need to be extinguished. They need relationship, curiosity, steadiness, and compassion.
In the Gita’s world, fire purifies when guided by wisdom.In IFS, protectors soften when Self steps forward.
Together, they transform raw heat into clear, grounded, meaningful action.
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