27-Jan-2011

First Steps to Love

Learning to Forgive

The practice of forgiveness—letting go of past hurts and pain—is promoted by all spiritual paths. It sounds simple, just forgive and all will be well. Forgiveness would certainly bring about world peace, if countries and individuals could see past injuries and find the common humanity in us all. So how can practicing forgiveness become a habit in your life, so that the past can be released and you can live more fully and joyfully?

The Buddhist teachings include the concept that “hatred never ceases by hatred, but by love alone is healed.” So that’s the first clue. It is important to ask forgiveness for ourselves first, for having hurt others and for having hurt ourselves. Only then can we forgive others who have hurt us. It is important to acknowledge the hurt, to ask for forgiveness and then to release the hatred and anger. Finally, open your heart to the love that is there for the healing process to begin.

Recommended Read: The Tao of Forgiveness: The Healing Power of Forgiving Others and Yourself by William Martin