Forgiveness - Just a Note

Forgiveness is a practice and more so it is a remembrance. Deep within there is no need to forgive because we know there is no reality to anything that is not of love. Yet lacking in true reality is not the same as something feeling very, very real. Our perceptions make our reality and the pain we hold on to become the scars that define our lives - if we allow them to. We often make false idols of our pain and refuse to let go as they seem to give meaning to our lives and the events that wound us. The Buddha once stated that we are not punished for our anger but that anger itself was the punishment. It is the same with the refusal to forgive - those who have harmed us or caused us pain will continue on their path and suffer the consequences of their actions. Whether they have the awareness to recognize the cause of their own suffering or not is beyond what we may ever know. It doesn't matter though - what we give meaning to is what ultimately matters. We forgive not to make amends with another (although that is a by product of forgiveness) no, we forgive to set ourselves free from the pain and suffering brought to us. Anger, judgement, resentment are all ties that keep us tightly bound to the person and event. It's time to be free. And first we have to surrender. Give the pain to God, to Buddha, to the Universe at large. It's time to let go. Ask for help. The Talmud claims that above every blade of grass there is a thousand angles whispering "grow, grow" and still more so there are angles ready to carry the weight of our pain as well. We pray not for forgiveness or too forgive but to communicate our desire to allow love to take the place of our hurt and anger. We pray not for help - for prayer itself is the answer to our plea. Prayer is our release. I'm joining you all in prayer - for forgiveness and the healing of us all.

Peace,
Eric



http://www.oprah.com/oprahradio/A-Course-in-Miracles-Lesson-46
I hope this lesson helps.