Today, I was going through a quote by Hannah More which says:
"Fogiveness is the economy of the heart,saves the expense of anger, the cost of hatred and the waste of spirits"
As per American Psychological Association -Forgiveness is typically defined as the process of concluding resentment, indignation or anger as a result of a perceived offense, difference or mistake, and/or ceasing to demand punishment or restitution .
Forgiveness can be to our own self. Sometime, under emotional stress, we commit mistakes and failing to realise the same, we ramify on that and loose the enjoyment of precious today. At this juncture, what is needed is Forgiveness to self with a commitment of not to repeat such kind of acts or deeds. Become a better person.
In most of the cases, there is a forgiver and forgiven and the act of forgiveness keeps both happy. A win - win situation. Forgiveness can be with punishment or without punishment depending on the case to case basis and the severity of the situations.
Studies on forgiveness shows that people who forgive are happier, healthier, have improved functioning of their cardiovascular and nervous system than those who hold resentment and keep brooding . The energy loss due to restless thinking is also conserved and automatically mind becomes calm like a clear, still lake giving an experience of profound peace preparing us for meitation or prayer with single mindedness.
All religions promote forgiveness like in Christianity Jesus Christ says “Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.” in Hinduism the concept of performing atonement from one's wrong doing (Prayaschitta — Sanskrit: Penance), and asking for forgiveness. Even in day to day routine- "Aparadha sahasrani, kshamasva purushottama" is the prayer to God, ie O Lord! Knowingly , unknowungly I would have committed thousands of mistakes. Please excuse me. Buddhism, Jainism, Judaism, Bahai Faith, Islam all preach and practice the act of forgiveness in their own way.
Though benefits of forgiveness are many , benefits are experienced only on practicing. As the popular adage goes -" Parents are the first teachers and the house is the first school. Children learn by mocking the parents and not by their advice alone.", the practice of forgiveness starts from the house and right from the childhood itself. Even then, as anything, forgiveness can be learnt also , ofcourse with much focus, dedication and hard work.
"As human beings, with or without our knowledge, we commit so many mistakes, blunders in life, and God quietly without even telling , Forgives us. Not only that, He forgets also that He has forgiven us. So is it not our duty to forgive as we are all children of God, His reflection? Do we have to forget to forgive and be violent? Should we have to end up with self destruction in terms of our health and attitude at our individual level by forgetting to practice forgiveness?"
Come!!Join!! We shall preach and practice forgiveness for a better Peaceful and Healthy world. May God bless us all.
