Forgiveness – the Panacea?
I once attended a musical concert and discourse by Smt. Vishaka Hari. While speaking about the Ramayana, and about the lessons from the Ramayana, she said, “The intent should be to remove the wickedness from the person – and not just to kill the wicked person!”
While what transpired in the Ramayana was the “killing” of Ravana, is this thought of removing the “wickedness” something we need to ponder over? Are we becoming an overly intolerant race – regardless of the provocation? An eye for an eye will make the entire world blind, would it not?
So, what then is the answer to the problems we are grappling with? What is the root cause of the violence? Is it religious fanaticism? Is it intolerance born out of ignorance and blind faith? Is it intolerance born out of might?
What is the answer we may ask – to me the answer is simple: Regardless of the provocation, to keep one’s wits about them, to be kind, considerate and gentle with all beings, and to forgive, forgive and forgive again! Forgiveness is the most powerful of all acts! Requires the greatest courage and strength to forgive truly and to accept.
“To forgive is the highest, most beautiful form of love. In return, you will receive untold peace and happiness.” says Robert Muller!
M. K. Gandhi says, “The weak can never forgive. Forgiveness is the attribute of the strong.”
This chain of thought was brought about by the killing of those who are either terrorists, or those considered a threat to society at large. Some rejoice, some preen, and some others mourn and keep the anger burning. When will this stop? Who makes the first move?
So, can we do something about this? Yes we can – to forgive ourselves first, and then anyone who intentionally or unintentionally “hurts” us.
There is a school of thought, and I subscribe to this school, that all physical ailments that manifests in the body are a direct result of the mental thoughts and beliefs that the person has. For example, Cancer, the dreaded disease is caused by a pattern of “deep resentment held over an extended period of time” – so much so, that it literally starts eating away at the very being! Would Forgiveness then not be the answer to this? I believe that Forgiveness IS the panacea to almost anything that we let affect us – and practising forgiveness as a way of being will help you the most!
Happiness is a choice and every person's birthright! Knowing what happiness is, and how to stay happy is what makes life interesting. Choose wisely! Stay happy - remember it IS your choice!
May the universe always take care of you!