The Buddha said, “Holding on to anger is like grasping a hot coal with the intent of throwing it at someone else; you are the one who gets burnt.”

Select the word below which is closest in meaning to the word underlined above.

The question asks for the word that is closest in meaning to grasping, as used in the Buddha's quote: "Holding on to anger is like grasping a hot coal with the intent of throwing it at someone else; you are the one who gets burnt."

Grasping Meaning in Context

In this quote, the word grasping refers to holding onto something tightly and firmly. The analogy compares holding onto anger to holding a hot coal. The act of holding the hot coal, even with the intention of throwing it, causes pain to the person holding it. Therefore, grasping here means holding tightly and refusing to let go.

Analyzing the Options

- burning: This refers to the effect of the hot coal, the sensation of being burnt, not the action of holding it.
- igniting: This means to set something on fire or to start burning. It's not related to the act of holding.
- clutching: This means to grasp something tightly, often with fear, pain, or desperation. This word accurately reflects the firm, painful hold described in the quote.
- flinging: This means to throw or hurl something with great force. While the intent is to throw the coal, the quote focuses on the act of holding it before throwing.

Selecting the Closest Synonym

Comparing the options with the meaning of grasping in the context of the quote, clutching is the most suitable synonym. Both words imply holding on tightly. Holding onto anger, like clutching a hot coal, causes self-inflicted pain and harm.

The Buddha uses this powerful analogy to explain that harboring anger harms the person who feels angry, much like clutching a burning coal will burn the holder's hand.