FORGIVE & MOVE ON.............
World Forgiveness Day observed on July 7, worldwide, can
be applied to every single person on earth, however great and good. We
are all in onew way or the other, in need of either being forgiven or
truly need to forgive others and all of us certainly need God's
forgiveness.
***
Whoever came upon the
idea of observing a World Forgiveness Day certainly struck a brilliant
idea, not only in terms opf something that can set all our relationships
with one another right but something that psychologists and spiritual
leaders tell us to be the most essential thing for a healthy life. Dr.
Rober Enright from the University of Wisconsin founded the International
Forgiveness Institute. His studies show that people who forgive are
happier and healthier than those who hold resentments.
***
Not
surprisingly, most world religions include teachings on the nature of
forgiveness, and many of these teachings provide an underlying basis for
many varying moder-day traditions and practices of forgiveness.
***
In
Judaism, if a person causes harm but then sincerely and honestly
apologieses to the wronged individual and tries to rectify the wrong,
the wornged indivudual is religiously required to grant forgiveness.
***
In
Islam we find that Allah is known as Al-Ghufar,m meaning "The
oft-forgiving", and is the original source of all forgiveness. Seeking
forgiveness from Allah with repentance is a virtue. Islam recommends
forgiveness between believers, because Allah values forgiveness.
***
According to Vedic literature and epics of Hindiuism, Kshama and fusion words based on it, describe the concept of forgiveness. The word kshama is often combined with kripa (tenderness), daya (kindness) and karuna (compassion). Forgiveness is considered one of the six cardinal virtues in Hindiuism.
***
In
Jainism, forgiveness is one of the main virtues that needs to be
cultivated by the Jains. Supreme forgiveness forms part of one of the
10 characteristics of dharma. In the Jain prayer, Jains
repeatedly seek forgiveness for various creatures - even from single
sensed beings like plants and micro-organisms that they may have harmed.
***
In Buddhism, forgiveness is seen as a practice to prevent harmful thoughts from causing havoc on one's mental wellbeing.
***
In
christianity, forgiveness is more important than ritual sacrifice:
"Therefore, if your are offeing your gift at the altat and there
remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift
there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to your
brother; then come and offer your gift."
***
Jesus also said "Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you."
***
Finally
JESUS himself asked for God's forgiveness of those who crucified him
saying, "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do."
_______Father Dominic Emmanuel, a founder-member of Parliament of Religions, he can be contacted at fradominic@gmail.com
