Forgiveness

---Originally posted a few years ago---

The concept of forgiveness - "act of forgiving; disposition or willingness to forgive" has always intrigued me. Since childhood, there were instances when it came naturally to me, and in some instances it wasn't always the first response or reaction. But the good thing about forgiving is that at the end of it, one always feels peaceful. To forgive somebody is totally within our sphere of influence. What isn't - is to be forgiven. When I came across the following status message on a social networking site, I was touched.

I ask forgiveness from my heart for any harm I may have caused you, by thought, word, or action, knowingly or unknowingly -"Micchamee Dukkadam"

I read more about it on the internet. As a matter of fact, many religions support this concept. A Wikipedia page on Forgiveness lists many religious theories on this subject. I will quote one of them here.

The concept of performing atonement from one's wrongdoing (Prayaschittha — Sanskrit: Penance), and asking for forgiveness is very much a part of the practice of Hinduism. Prayaschittha is related to the law of Karma. Karma is a sum of all that an individual has done, is currently doing and will do. The effects of those deeds and these deeds actively create present and future experiences, thus making one responsible for one's own life, and the pain in others.

Addressing Dhritarashtra, Vidura said: "There is one only defect in forgiving persons, and not another; that defect is that people take a forgiving person to be weak. That defect, however, should not be taken into consideration, for forgiveness is a great power. Forgiveness is a virtue of the weak, and an ornament of the strong. Forgiveness subdues (all) in this world; what is there that forgiveness cannot achieve? What can a wicked person do unto him who carries the sabre of forgiveness in his hand? Fire falling on the grassless ground is extinguished of itself. And unforgiving individual defiles himself with many enormities. Righteousness is the one highest good; and forgiveness is the one supreme peace; knowledge is one supreme contentment; and benevolence, one sole happiness."

(From the Mahabharata, Udyoga Parva Section XXXIII, Translated by Sri Kisari Mohan Ganguli).

Very insightful, very reassuring.

I ask forgiveness from my heart for any harm I may have caused to anyone, by thought, word, or action, knowingly or unknowingly