06.09.2016 ►JAINA ►Special Newsletter - Samvatsari

Silence and Self-control is non-violence.

- Bhagwan Mahavir

What is the most difficult thing on this earth? This question is so much subjective and depends from person to person. For some it may be academics, where as for some it may be playing various kinds of sports. Some may think that science is the most complex thing where as some may find  the subject of Law difficult. And yes out of all some may think everything is difficult. How about forgiving?

On this last day of Paryushan we all do pratikraman, the act of forgiving and apologizing to one and all. Do we really forgive everyone?

Let us take an example. A man is walking on the street and suddenly a robber comes on the bike and snatches the mobile phone of the man who is walking. There is no doubt that the man will have a feeling of revenge and will wish to catch the thief no matter what. Forgiveness has the power to change anything. If the man is able to catch the thief and instead of punishing him if he forgives him, I think he will do a better deed than punishing him. Even from the view point of the thief, he will think ten times before repeating his actions again. This is where it makes a difference. Any actions good or bad should have a favorable reaction. Forgiving makes us feel big. We get a feeling of satisfaction and inner peace. This is what good deeds are all about. No other materialistic thing on earth can give the happiness that forgiveness can provide.

Bhagwan Mahavir also emphasized the importance of forgiveness. There are instances where Bhagwan Mahavir has forgiven many, and successfully walked on the path of enlightenment. So lets us take a vow that we will try to forgive as much as we can and try to let go of things. We will surely be benefited by this and there is no doubt that this cannot harm us in any way.