A paradox:
To forgive another is to forgive oneself.
Hunh (a/k/a wtf does this rather cliche-sounding, ivory tower new-age-resounding, mind-bendingriddle mean?
To forgive another we must initially forgive (i.e., release) our attachment to ego … for only thereafter may we completely release resentment (anger) and a sense of entitlement to reward – either in the form of tangible or intangible self-gain or tangible (as opposed to karmic) punishment of another.
Definition (Merriam-Webster Dictionary):
“To give up resentment of, or claim to requital for, an insult.”
Paradoxically, to forgive another is to forgive oneself.
To forgive another is to release egoic judgment and anger.
To forgive
Our focus must shift
From judgment of the ego
To compassion of the soul.
When we finally forgive
We transcend anger
And thereby inspire countless miracles to occur.
Believe this!
No truer words have ever been spoken.
To forgive, we must connect to compassion born of the soul … which recognizes that the person whom we believe wronged us is simply our sister or brother who was simply doing the best they could do, given their degree of evolution, at the time. How can we be angry, once we recognize that the perpetrator of the misconduct is simply doing the best they can do? Would you hold onto anger directed at your child if s/he was unable to accomplish advanced tasks? Of course not.
To forgive we must transcend (i.e., release) anger. Miracles are possible (and probable!) once we transcend anger. This is truth.
Yet, please note that although it is appropriate (i.e.,, healthy) to eventually forgive all misconduct, this is not to say that we should again deal with the person. Discernment specifies that we continue to interact with another only if such interaction is healthy and mutually beneficial. If not, it may be inappropriate to continue to transact with another.
A miracle happened today. I finally, at long last, forgave a friend. And was rewarded with friendship beyond that we knew before …
Andrew
