To Light One Candle

Author(s): Pramoda Chitrabhanu
Publisher: East West Unity Press Ananda Ashram New York

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FORGIVING OURSELVES AND OTHERS
As we come to know our reality in the deepest sense, we see the futility of holding onto accumulated resentments. It is time to drop them, melt them away. One way to begin is through extensive mutual forgiveness, starting with our very own self. Realizing that we are not better or worse than anyone else and that we have contributed to emotional and physical suffering in the world, we become more humble and gentle, enfolding our being in loving acceptance.
It then becomes easier to extend that feeling to others. Looking far into the past, we think of those we blamed for creating pain in our lives and, without condoning or condemning their behavior, we cease to judge them. We can seek qualities we cherish in them and ways they have added to our growth and awareness. In this way, we release our grudges and offer acceptance to everyone.
Next, we ask forgiveness from everyone we have hurt or ignored knowingly or unknowingly — the myriad creatures as well as human beings and God. It is good to ponder the suffering perpetuated by us out of greed, pride, and ignorance. By recognizing these blind spots in us, we can stop generating more cycles of pain. We realize that to hurt or neglect another is to hurt or neglect oneself, and to forgive is to live closer to our divine nature.
In a spirit of largeheartedness, our hearts may soften, healings may be initiated, and those who used to fear us may bless us. In the eyes of the masters, there is nothing more courageous and powerful in the world than the sweet vibrations of a forgiving and magnanimous heart.
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