The Profound Wisdom of Forgiveness

My grandmother's wisdom, affectionately known as 'Bhabhi ji,' was truly a guiding light in moments of conflict. Her insistence on forgiveness, even when it seemed difficult, reveals the depth of her understanding and compassion. Her words, once a source of frustration, have become a beacon of wisdom and a testament to the enduring value of forgiveness in our lives. Her legacy lives on through the invaluable lessons she imparted.

Gurbani Meditation

GURBANI

Forgiveness holds a revered place in Gurbani, encapsulating the essence of virtues and spiritual depth. 

ਖਿਮਾ ਗਹੀ ਬ੍ਰਤੁ ਸੀਲ ਸੰਤੋਖੰ ॥ ਰੋਗੁ ਨ ਬਿਆਪੈ ਨਾ ਜਮ ਦੋਖੰ ॥

Khimaa Gahee Barat Seel SantokhaN, Rog Na Bi-aapai Naa Jam DokhaN.

Guru Nanak, Raag Gauri, AGGS, Page, 223-15 

Guru Nanak's words in Raag Gauri emphasize forgiveness as the true fast, good conduct, and contentment, shielding against afflictions like disease and the fear of death. This illustrates forgiveness as a transformative practice, bringing peace and resilience.

ਕਬੀਰਾ ਜਹਾ ਗਿਆਨੁ ਤਹ ਧਰਮੁ ਹੈ ਜਹਾ ਝੂਠੁ ਤਹ ਪਾਪੁ ॥ਜਹਾ ਲੋਭੁ ਤਹ ਕਾਲੁ ਹੈ ਜਹਾ ਖਿਮਾ ਤਹ ਆਪਿ ॥

Kabira Jahaa Gi-aan Tah Dharam Hai Jahaa Jhooth Tah Paap, Jaha Lobh Teh Kaal Hai Jaha Khima Teh Aap.

-Kabir Sloke # 155, AGGS, Page, 1372-15

Kabir's wisdom resonates, highlighting forgiveness as the embodiment of Godliness. Where spiritual wisdom resides, righteousness prevails, falsehood dissipates, and forgiveness becomes the conduit to experiencing the divine presence. The correlations drawn between virtues and their inherent connection to forgiveness are striking.

Forgiveness is one of the attributes of God:

ਪਾਰਬ੍ਰਹਮ ਪਰਮੇਸੁਰ ਗੋਬਿੰਦ ॥ਕ੍ਰਿਪਾ ਨਿਧਾਨ ਦਇਆਲ ਬਖਸੰਦ ॥

Paarbarahm Parmaysur Gobind, Kirpaa NiDhaan Da-i-aal Bakhsand.

Akal Purkh is Supreme, Transcendent, Treasure of mercy, Compassionate and Forgiving.-----Guru Arjan, Raag Gauri, AGGS, Page, 283-19

Moreover, the attribution of forgiveness to God in Guru Arjan's verses reinforces its divine nature. The Almighty is depicted as the epitome of mercy, compassion, and forgiveness, reinforcing the intertwining relationship between forgiveness and divinity.

The assertion that forgiveness is as indispensable as sustenance and air adds weight to its importance. It underlines forgiveness not merely as a noble virtue but as an essential element for a fulfilled and meaningful life, akin to the basic necessities required for survival.

In essence, Gurbani beautifully intertwines forgiveness with spiritual growth, portraying it as a fundamental pillar of virtuous living and an attribute inherently linked with the divine. These teachings encourage individuals to embody forgiveness as a means to attain spiritual elevation and lead a fulfilling existence.

POPE FRANCIS

Regardless of religion, see how beautiful  Pope Francis 

FAMILY, PLACE OF FORGIVENESS ... 

Pope Francis in 2021

There is no perfect family. We do not have perfect parents, we are not perfect, we do not marry a perfect person or have perfect children. 

We have complaints from each other. We disappoint each other. So there is no healthy marriage or healthy family without the exercise of forgiveness. 

Forgiveness is vital to our emotional health and spiritual survival. Without forgiveness the family becomes an arena of conflict and a stronghold of hurt. 

Without forgiveness, the family becomes ill. Forgiveness is the a sepsis of the soul, the cleansing of the mind and the liberation of the heart. 

Whoever does not forgive does not have peace in the soul nor communion with God. Hurt is poison that intoxicates and kills. Keeping heartache in the heart is a self-destructive gesture. It's autophagy. 

Those who do not forgive are physically, emotionally and spiritually ill. 

That is why the family must be a place of life, not of death; 

Territory of cure and not of illness; 

Stage of forgiveness and not guilt. 

Forgiveness brings joy where sorrow has produced sadness; 

Healing, where sorrow has caused disease.

- Pope Francisco

Please send to all the families/ friends you know. This could help to quench some raging battles .

A Matching Poem in Punjabi 

A Punjabi literary poem sent by Shivpreet substantiate above theme. You may hit the link below:

https://preetmohan.blogspot.com/2023/11/chhatto-di-beri-chhatto-name-of-old.html