Self control* - Laura Branigan

A kind-hearted person who is prone to anger and scolding cannot be regarded as a good person.

Jing Si Aphorism
by Master Cheng Yen

This quote hangs on the wall of the waiting area of the clinic i go to.

I remember when i first read it, i could not appreciate it. Is it possible that a kind-hearted person cannot be regarded as a good person? Aren't all kind-hearted people good people? Is it saying that no matter how kind one can be, it is pointless if one cannot exercise self-control over his/her own anger?

It got me thinking - can a kind-hearted person be one who gets angry easily, and scolds others? Why not? A kind-hearted person need not necessarily be one who has good self-control.

I think that that is possible - because i think i used to be one like that. I would like to consider meself as a kind person - but there is no doubt that i was prone to anger and scolding. If i had to be honest, i have to say that i was not a good person at all.

Now? Well, i am trying to exercise more self-control - but whether i am a good person, you gotta ask the people around me.

*A huge hit for her back in the 80s.