​Forgive to Allow the Light of Wholesome Relationships to Shine Through

It is common for people going through these to feel angry and seek a chance for revenge. However, when the poison of anger and hatred arises in our mind, flows through our entire body, the very first person to be hurt is ourselves. Ruminating over negative memories only intensifies the attachment to the self, which harms ourselves and others.

There are no truly bad people in the world, and we are not necessarily outright innocent victims either. When we calm our minds through Chan practice, allowing our compassion and wisdom to be revealed, we will gain insights into the problems and resolve them completely and satisfactorily.

By saying "I forgive you" from the bottom of our hearts, we break out of the victim mentality, thus freeing our mind and expanding our lives. By shifting our perspectives, we can transform toxic interpersonal relationships into good ones, turning regrets into abundance, and allowing the light of wholesome relationships to shine through.


Illustrator: Liou Jian-jr (劉建志)


 


Resource: Issue 379 of Humanity Magazine (March 2015), Dharma Drum Publishing Corporation
Translation: Li Siang-ling
Editing: Keith Brown, Glen Sha
Illustrator: Liou Jian-jr (劉建志)