The image of a snake or serpent brings to the mind those archetypal associations of jealousy, animosity, vindictiveness, and even anger. Indian mythology is replete with serpent stories portraying various aspects of this archetypal symbol. But what if a snake gives up his natural tendency of animosity and vindictiveness and turn into a kind and benevolent creature? The great acharya Ramakrishna Paramhansa told the following story to his disciples while explaining the role and function of anger.

Once upon a time, a group of cowherds used to graze their cows in a nearby pasture. A venomous snake had made a corner of this grass field into his abode, and was notorious for biting and killing anyone who ventured into that area. Everyone was scared of him and avoided the area he occupied. One day a holy man from the nearby village came passing through the grass field. The cowherd boys came running towards the holy man and warned him “Oh sir, Please avoid crossing that area as a dangerous snake lives there, he might bite you”. The Brahmana said “ I am not afraid of snakes because I know a secret mantra that can make snake poison ineffective. This mantra will protect me. “Saying thus he walked on towards the pasture. As the boys were scared, they did not dare to accompany him. Suddenly, the snake slithered out of the bushes, reared up, spread his hood and came hissing towards the Brahmana ready to strike him down. Seeing the snake Brahmana began chanting his mantra and the snake immediately lost its power and fell limp at his feet like a worm.