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Frontier Days

January 31st, 2009 admin No comments

Frontier Days
What is the frontier beyond Kshama ( Forgiveness )?

Today is Kshamavani Diwas. ( The day of forgiveness ). Celebrated by Jains

Every year on this day, we resolute to forgive all those who sin against us and ask for forgiveness from one and all against whom we might have sinned knowingly or unknowingly in terms of action or thought.

But what to do with people who are incorrigible. Are they worthy enough to be forgiven or is it silly on our part to continue to forgive them repeatedly ?

It isn't often we have the opportunity to do something without any self interest attached. There always seems to be some possible motive beyond love for our fellow man. It is the way the universe is put together. I'd call it dharma, you might call it something else.

When we hold something against another, we make a home in our heart for resentment, anger, regret, and other such poisons. These are so harmful to us that to let even one day pass this way is unhealthy. It is written, "Let not the sun go down upon your wrath." Good advice. Every day is the day of forgiveness. But it is so important, we need to set aside a special time to give it our full attention--just in case we've overlooked something or otherwise hidden it from ourselves.

To not forgive the incorrigible would be silly on our part. Forgiveness isn't something to be doled out as we see fit. So much for this one, he is a liar. Less for this one, he is a thief. None for this one, he lusts after my wife daily. Forgiveness is complete. It is a whole garment. Put it on and be clean and pure. Become what you give.

We do not judge other souls. That is not our job. We all have the same spiritual potential, do we not? If all souls are worthy of our respect, are they not also worthy of our forgiveness?

This doesn't mean you have to continue to expose yourself to the fangs. There is no learning going on for the incorrigible. They are not ready to learn. Someday, perhaps, but not today, not from you. It's time to stand away from them--at least beyond striking distance, ya? There are others who may profit from your example. Show your pearls to them instead. Above all, don't give matches to pyromaniacs.

A Jain is always under scrutiny. Everyone watches to see how the man measures up to the message. Some will want to test you, hoping to find fault, thinking thus their own flaws are somehow diminished. The foolish will always provide you with ample opportunity to practice forgiveness.

May God the Creator empower you to let go of all that is carnal that you may stand a shining light to guide us.