Ahimsa the Ultimate Winner

Author(s): N P Jain
Publisher: Prakrit Bharti Academy

Page 65

Mark Twain has captured the quality of forgiveness in the following beautiful expression:
"Forgiveness is the fragrance the violet releases to the
heel that crushes it.”
Life is like an echo. We get back what we give. Love begets love; hatred arouses hatred. There is the story of a boy who got angry with his mother and shouted at her, I hate you”. Because of fear of reprimand, he ran out of the house, went up to the valley and shouted,” I hate you; I hate you. Back came the echo:"I hate you, I hate you”. He got scared and went back to his mother and said many voices in the valley were shouting at him: "I hate you". The mother understood and asked the boy to once again go to the same spot in the valley and shout:”I love you”. When he did so, came back the echo "I love you. I love you" He returned to his mother and said to her delight“I love you."
Forgiveness should not be confused with or over-simplified as simple mannerism or courtesy of behaviour towards others. Behind the expression of sorry”, it is necessary to nurture the much deeper thought and feeling of wanting not only to be excused but also forgiven. Equally it has to be reciprocal. If someone hurts us through words, intentions and conduct, to win him over we need to muster the resolve of non-violence and forgive him/her.
Such a forgiving approach would make one who forgives more gentle, fearless and tranquil. Such a person would inspire others who have deviated from the path of fraternity and fellowship. The gentleness of Mahatma Gandhi gave him vibrant soul-energy and confidence to mobilize the entire nation of India to fight for independence of India from British colonial rule through non-violence. Thanks to the forgiving attitude of Gandhi that struggle of independence became devoid of rancour or hatred.
Gladys Staines, the widow of the Australian Christian Missionary Father Staines who was brutally murdered in Orissa
Ahimsa: The Ultimate Winner
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