FORGIVENESS

October 11, 2009

PRIYA BHAGAVAT BHANDUVULLARA!

FORGIVENESS

Almost all religions extol the virtue of forgiveness. Forgiveness is the

essence of spirituality and the ultimate test for enlightenment. It teaches us

to refrain from being judgemental and to surrender ourselves to our destiny. It

liberates us from suffering.

Here are some thoughts on forgiveness from some of the noblest men in the world.

They teach us how to forgive naturally and effortlessly. They also teach us the

importance of being forgiven and tell us how to ask for forgiveness, thereby

enabling us to lead peaceful, healthy and happy lives.

1. Forgiveness is an antidote to suffering.

2. Forgiveness is often thought to be an excuse for inaction or cowardice.

3. Most of us find it difficult to forgive because we can only think of revenge.

4. We let ourselves carry thoughts of hatred within ourselves because we think

bad things happen to us because of others. This illusion is very comforting

because it allows us to blame others for all our misdeeds and problems.

5. Most of us think that forgiveness may encourage the other person to continue

with his irrational behavior. There can be nothing farther from the truth.

6. There are more chances of your offender realizing how wrong he has been, in

the calm waters of your forgiving silence than in the disturbed waters of your

reactive behavior.

7. Those who can forgive have high self-esteem, low stress levels and better

emotional health than those who cannot.

8. We sometimes find it difficult to forgive others for making derogatory

remarks about us. What somebody else feels about us is not important. What is

important is what one feels about oneself. As long as we can honestly examine

ourselves and say that we are not what the others think of us to be, it is fine.

9. Many are under the misconception that only those who cannot fight believe in

forgiving.

10. Forgiving is a brave act. It makes the other person feel weak in your

presence.

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