Forgiveness - an essential subject

The printable version is no longer supported and may have rendering errors. Please update your browser bookmarks and please use the default browser print function instead.

Forgiveness is understood as a deliberate choice to release feelings of anger, resentment or vengeance toward a person who has offended us, without considering whether the offender deserves our forgiveness. By forgiving someone, we make the decision to stop judging the person who harmed us and let go the expectation of even an apology. Replacing negative emotions and the desire to punish the transgressor, we express compassion, and kindness. For most of us, this art does not come naturally, and the task of forgiveness takes some inner work. Research on the benefits of forgiveness on health and longevity, reveals that forgiveness is positively correlated with stronger circulatory and immune systems. Psychologically speaking, people who forgive more willingly are less likely to be depressed and anxious, and more likely to be happy. These merits of forgiveness seem to forecast a longer, more pleasant life. Our response to personal insult has a lasting effect on our well-being. Certainly, when we offend someone we should hope to be forgiven, as we would not want to be the cause of such a burden for ourselves or for others. One faith in particular asks, 'forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us.'

Srila Prabhupada's books, lectures, conversations and letters offer a comprehensive presentation of this essential subject as seen in the Vaniquotes Forgiveness category. An introduction from his books is given below in the following 9 quotes.


Quotes from Srila Prabhupada's books










Forgiveness - explore more within this category.

Vanipedia has now over 903 introductory articles compiled from Srila Prabhupada's books under the series titled Essential Subjects. All these articles can be seen in the Table of Content on the right side of this article and also here in this Umbrella Category. Browse through them to relish the breadth and depth of Srila Prabhupada's teachings - There is a subject for everyone.


   
 

HOME

Choose Another
Essential Subject