Below is an excerpt from the book “Finding the Joy Within You” by Sri Sri Daya Mata, who served as sangamata and president of Yogoda Satsanga Society of India/Self-Realization Fellowship from 1955 until her passing in 2010.
Paramahansa Yogananda used to say that as a rose gives off fragrance when crushed, so the devotee of God, when crushed by unkindness, still exudes the sweet essence of love.
Forgiveness, with its soothing vibration of divine love, neutralizes the erosive agitation of anger, guilt, and hatred. In an imperfect world where goodness inevitably meets opposition, forgiveness is an expression of God-consciousness.
When we are ill-used, if, instead of condemning our offender, we grant pardon freely and wipe the slate of our consciousness clean, the result is that we earn for ourselves a blessed peace of mind.
Why is it sometimes so difficult to forgive and forget — to let go completely? The human ego demands vindication, and seeks it through vengeance or retribution; it feels superior while condemning. But this does not bring us peace.
We would be far happier if we rather listened to the true Self, the soul — which is sufficient unto itself — and cancelled the wrongdoer’s debt, praying, “Lord, bless him.” Do we not want God and others to excuse our errors? “Forgive and you shall be forgiven” is the divine law.
In the Hindu scriptures it is written: “One should forgive, under any injury….By forgiveness the universe is held together. Forgiveness is the might of the mighty; forgiveness is sacrifice; forgiveness is quiet of mind. Forgiveness and gentleness are the qualities of the Self-possessed. They represent eternal virtue.”
Strive to live by this ideal, offering kindness and healing love to all. Then shall you feel God’s all-embracing love flowing into your own heart.
