" FORGIVE ME"

New Delhi, sep 12 (ANUPAMA JAIN/VNI) Once, a saint had taken a vow to bathe daily in a holy river. His philosophy of forgiveness and renunciation was highly talked of in the city. A man who was living in the same city had some doubts about the genuineness of the saint’s vow. So he thought, why not test the saint? One day when the saint was returning  after taking bath in the river, the sceptic spat at him. Without uttering a word, the sage went back to the river to bathe once again.  Once again the sceptic spat at him and once again the sage returned to the river to cleanse himself and this happened several times that day. 

 Ultimately, seeing the sage’s calm detachment and acceptance, the sceptic fell at his feet and started crying, seeking pardon for his misbehaviour. With the same calmness the saint placed his hand lovingly on the sceptic’s head and said, “Don’t feel ashamed. Rather, I am grateful to you, for only because of you I could have the opportunity to bathe so many times in the span of a single day in the sacred river. Thank you, my son, and God bless.”

This is the magical power of forgiveness; let us celebrate it today on Kshama Vani, Day of Forgiveness." Pratikraman" or seeking and giving forgiveness or confession is among the five important vows of a devout Jain. It is fitting conclusion to Paryushan Parva, in this pious Parv of ten days, jain devotees   devote this period to reflecting on higher values.

Kshama or forgiveness is the natural virtue of soul. When the soul underestimates itself and submits to degradation, it becomes tainted with raag or moha, attached and full of animosity. 

Kshama Vani is a healing journey for both body and soul; a creative act that releases us from prisons of past misdeeds. Forgiveness is a double blessing because it benefits both the one who seeks it and the one who grants it. It is a soul cleanser. Forgiveness brings freedom. If we don’t forgive, bitterness and anger build up to a point where not only do we hurt ourselves, but others as well.  

Mahavira said “By practising prayashchit or repentance, a soul gets rid of sins, and commits no transgressions."   Krishna says in the Gita that forgiveness is one of the characteristics of a divine nature.

In Buddhism, forgiveness is seen as a practice to prevent harmful thoughts from causing havoc in one’s mental well-being. 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 burned”. Sikhism says forgiveness is the remedy for anger.

Jesus asked God to forgive those who crucified him. “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” The Hadiths show Prophet Muhammad forgiving those who abused him. In Judaism it is said “Who takes vengeance or bears a grudge acts like one who, having cut one hand while handling a knife, avenges himself by stabbing the other hand.”

Let the spirit of forgiveness prevail, especially in these times of social strife and intolerance.  May God bless us all with the virtue of forgiveness, both from within and without, so that we may become more centred and able to contribute to making the world more harmonious and peaceful.  (Published in The Times Of India)