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Forgiveness in Buddhism
Vagabond
Explorer
Yesterday, I forgave someone for something that had happened a little over a year ago. I will not say any names nor will I even tell the story, but I will let you know that it was really something for me to do. Probably the biggest act of forgiveness I have done in my life. I probably would have never forgave this person if it wasn't for me thinking "What would Buddha do?", not knowing any stories about him on this matter however. This is because I am still new to Buddhism, coming and going between learning about it, and moving on with everyday life, kind of "forgetting" about Buddhism and how much I truly am interested in it and eager to learn more. So either way, I forgave this person because I wanted to be a better person in life (after thinking of Buddhism) and because I forgave this person, I found myself coming back into the groove of learning and finding out more about this way of life.
Now I want to ask: What DID Buddha say about forgiveness? And what do YOU think? I found this article online and found it very interesting and thought I might as well share it: http://www.youaretrulyloved.com/enlightenment/the-buddha-teaches-a-lesson-on-forgiveness/
You don't have to just answer my question about The Buddha's view on forgiveness, by the way. This discussion does not need to be too specific. Anything related to forgiveness in Buddhism will work for me. I am not necessarily JUST looking for that answer, because I'd like to know how YOU feel about forgiveness. Any stories, quotes, ideas, anything, is welcome. Thanks.
Now I want to ask: What DID Buddha say about forgiveness? And what do YOU think? I found this article online and found it very interesting and thought I might as well share it: http://www.youaretrulyloved.com/enlightenment/the-buddha-teaches-a-lesson-on-forgiveness/
You don't have to just answer my question about The Buddha's view on forgiveness, by the way. This discussion does not need to be too specific. Anything related to forgiveness in Buddhism will work for me. I am not necessarily JUST looking for that answer, because I'd like to know how YOU feel about forgiveness. Any stories, quotes, ideas, anything, is welcome. Thanks.
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Comments
If one cultivates loving kindness, then is there anything ever to forgive?
This is a quote above.
From me:
Don’t give the power to those people who upset you and drive you away from your inner peacefulness, goals or provide you with EXCUSES!!!!!
To all of you thank you for all your help and : :bowdown: You have spared me a lot of :banghead: with your wisdom.
See you in September.
I think its great that you were able to forgive the person! It takes a lot of focus and compassion to do that, in my opinion. I can understand the desire to remain forgiving, and a few things came mind as I read your curiosity.
When we do "bad things" to others, we hurt ourselves as much as the other. This shows up as isolation, poor health, anxiety, mental agitation and so on. So, although it can be said that our dumb actions "hurt others", it is closer to regard it as "hurting everyone involved".
So when we look at someone's mistakes... where they seem like a jerk to us, punch us in the ribs, kick us in the shins, or whatever... we can see they are acting unskillfully. But, if we don't make it about us, we only get a bruise on or shin. We don't have to feel any mental offense, and anger... only shin sensations.
Did you notice how much lighter you felt after letting the trespass go? We can maintain that light quality by refusing to make other people's decisions about us. Forgiveness starts as a symbol of that letting go. The more practiced we get at refusing to own their actions, we have no reason to forgive, because we didn't make it about us. Their dumb actions might leave a bruise, but no mental strain.
Ideally, it would be very compassionate to help bandage the person's toes; shins have very solid bones. Does that make sense?
With warmth,
Matt
Just before I go, this post has made me realized how far I am from being a Buddhist.
I can’t even comprehend being chopped mentally or physically ''limb by limb, with a double-handled saw and then uphold Buddha Teaching''.
In the moment, I only see that Buddhism has such a wisdom to understand the reasons for human suffering and offering brilliant solutions to avoid it.
:bawl:
You all are a great help to me. Thank you
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/04/06/man-buys-dinner-for-his-m_n_95178.html
That's a good non-Buddhist story which I bookmarked when I read it. Not so much about forgiveness as it is understanding, but worth a read. I think it's a good highlight of positive human nature that's often suppressed or discouraged.
with metta