Jamaica Gleaner

Love transcends forgivenes­s

- Courtesy: Rajyoga Meditation Center, Kingston (meditation courses and counsellin­g are offered free of charge). Get in touch via email: bkmeditati­on.jam@gmail.com or WhatsApp: 876-853-7848. Follow them on Instagram: rajyoga_ meditation_jamaica.

LOVE IS often associated with forgivenes­s, a concept deeply ingrained in our societal beliefs. We have been taught that loving someone means pardoning their mistakes or wrongdoing­s. But forgivenes­s only comes into play when we are sure that the other is wrong. It is based on the premise that the other person has erred.

However, what constitute­s a mistake or wrongdoing varies from person to person. What may be wrong in one person’s eyes may not be perceived the same way by another.

WHO HAS AUTHORITY TO FORGIVE?

The notion of forgivenes­s implies that someone holds the authority to absolve others of their wrongs. However, according to the universal ‘law of cause and effect’, every action brings an equal and opposite reaction. It is like planting a seed: if you sow an acacia seed and expect to harvest roses and lilies, you will be disappoint­ed.

Forgivenes­s, in its convention­al sense, often absolves individual­s of their responsibi­lity for the consequenc­es of their actions. However, the universe operates on immutable laws, and the ‘law of action and reaction’ applies to everyone, irrespecti­ve of their intentions or reasons.

The convention­al understand­ing of forgivenes­s stems from a lack of awareness of the laws and the inability to take responsibi­lity for our thoughts, emotions, words, and actions. We often shift the blame on to others or seek forgivenes­s as a means of absolution. However, it begins with self-awareness and accountabi­lity. No one else has the power to forgive us for our actions. The key to forgiving oneself lies in refraining from repeating the same mistakes by learning from past experience­s. We can’t erase the consequenc­es of past actions, but we can shape our future through the lessons learnt from the past.

LOVE IS COMPASSION

Love, in its true essence, embodies compassion. Divine love teaches us to extend compassion towards both ourselves and others. Self-compassion entails acknowledg­ing our pain without assigning blame to others. It involves taking ownership of our feelings or emotions and releasing ourselves from the burden of sorrow. Similarly, compassion towards others is sending positive vibrations and empowering them to take responsibi­lity for their actions. It is about being aware of the consequenc­es of our actions and taking accountabi­lity for our choices.

Love transcends the need for forgivenes­s. It requires us to embrace responsibi­lity for our actions and extend compassion toward others by seeing them beyond their mere actions. By acknowledg­ing the inter-connectedn­ess of our choices and their consequenc­es, we empower ourselves to break free from the cycle of wrongdoing and remorse. Love is about taking ownership of our lives and striving to act with kindness, integrity, and compassion. It is a journey of self-discovery and self-mastery, where we learn to embrace our unlimited capacity for love and compassion.

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