The healing power of forgiveness: Spiritual practices for letting go and moving forward
The healing power of forgiveness: Spiritual practices for letting go and moving forward
When we forgive others, not only does it help and heal the person who has done the wrong, but it also helps the one who has been wronged heal and move on in life. When we carry anger, vengefulness, hurt, or a grudge in our hearts, it continues to prick us like a thorn, creating misery and agony. Hate and anger are huge burdens to carry. We can never be at peace or happy. When Peter had asked Jesus, ‘Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?’ Jesus is said to have said, ‘I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.’ Effectively, which means endlessly.
Spirituality gives forgiveness an altogether different meaning. A spiritually evolved person, an enlightened person, only lives in a state of Eternal Bliss, Divine Love, Everlasting Peace. How can such a being harbour any negativity? Spirituality, the science of the spirit, the Soul, helps us realize the truth about who we are, this world, about God. It leads us to self-realization and God-realization. Spirituality helps us realize that we are not who we appear to be. We are not the body, mind and ego but the Soul – a Spark Of Unique Life. The Soul is a part of the Supreme Immortal Power we call God. There is no ‘you’ and no ‘I’. We are one. God is not a person or saint but a Power. And this Power is everywhere and in everything.
There are several spiritual practices that can help us forgive, let go, and move forward. Some of them are:
Meditation is a powerful practice that can help us still the mind. It is the mind that is the cause of our misery. The mind takes us into the past and we curse, nurse, and rehearse our hurt. When we still the mind through meditation, the mind stops swinging like a pendulum from the past to the future. It becomes still and silent; it stops its incessant chatter and yelling and we become calm and positive.
If we flip over from the mind state to the state of Consciousness, it will help us remain in a state of peace and bliss. Consciousness is the state of mindfulness, awareness, and thoughtlessness. It is a state where thoughts no longer pour like rain, making us miserable again and again, but appear one by one, like fish swimming in the ocean. It is a state where our intellect takes charge. It is the intellect that discriminates between black and white, wrong and right. Guided by the intellect, we can make the right decisions. It is also in this state of Consciousness that we can awaken to the truth of who we are — not human beings but Divine beings. We are all one.
While the mere acquisition of spiritual wisdom or knowledge is not awakening Enlightenment or self-realization, even understanding the spiritual truths of life can help us forgive and move on. Let us consider the truth of Karma. The Law of Karma is a universal law that governs all. As we sow, so shall we reap. What we give, we get. If someone wrongs us, it is because of Karma. Moreover, Karma will spare no one. It is best to forgive, forget, and let go. We also realize that this world is only an illusion; it’s a cosmic drama. Nothing is real. Nothing belongs to us. It’s all a show; we come and we go. We must learn to live as observers. When confronted with suffering, we must learn to rejoice because our negative Karma is being negated. Since spirituality is about realizing that we are all one, how can there be differences between you and me? We are all Souls, manifestations of the Divine. Will the right leg ever hit the left leg? No, never. Instead of living with hate, anger, and vengefulness, we learn to live with love, compassion, and kindness. Forgiveness comes naturally. Therefore, it is a good practice to acquire spiritual knowledge, read scriptures, listen to discourses or Satsangs, be in the company of spiritually evolved people, and seek the guidance of a true Guru.
Yoga is another spiritual practice that can help us forgive and move on. But Yoga is not about breathing techniques, Pranayama or physical exercises, Asanas. Yoga means to be in union with the Divine. It is being disconnected from this material world, Bhoga, and being connected to God through the different states of Yoga — Dhyana Yoga, Bhakti Yoga, Gyana Yoga, Karma Yoga, and Prema Yoga. When we are in Bhoga, we are trapped in this world of desires, we become enslaved by the mind and ego and all the negativity it generates. We continue to resent others and feel wronged. In Yoga, there is peace, love, and bliss because we remain connected to the Divine. God is love.
Prayer is another practice that can help us. Prayer is a two-way communication with God. It is not just talking to God but also listening to God. The ultimate prayer, of course, is to seek the Divine Grace to attain Liberation. Nonetheless, prayer helps strengthen our faith, gives us courage, and makes us resolute and stronger. It becomes easier to forgive.
These are some of the spiritual practices that can help us forgive and move on in life. Not only that, they can also lead us to the ultimate purpose of human life, Moksha.
Authored by: AiR – Atman in Ravi : Happiness Ambassador, Author, Spiritual Mentor and Philanthropist
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