Forgiveness is an interesting idea. It hints at tolerance, perhaps based on one’s rising maturity. The concept, promoted by those one respects, makes one feel spiritually uplifted, to feel good at the thought of doing good – at least in one’s mind. Then comes the reality. It bounces off the wall of one’s ego, one’s sense of that dignity which was trampled by that offender, one’s need to fight back, and (hopefully) to retaliate. Thinking about justice as meted out by oneself can give one an anticipatory glow of satisfaction.
Then there arise 2 problems: How is one to retaliate – this is a problem of practicality, of a pathway to be followed, and which will not lead to the establishment of a process of vendetta – for which there may be no end in sight. The second problem is that even those who are civilised, who are enveloped by that aura of ‘doing the right thing’ even when no one is looking, might experience conflict between ego-based mind and an ascending soul.
Eventually, maturity, common sense, charity, and perhaps practicality, may lead to a peace-inducing forgiveness. But, should one forget? Is it possible to forget? Does not the past live in the present; indeed, does it not often shape the present? Further, the human brain tends to operate autonomously much of the time. It is also the repository, the archive, the file keeper, registering events (including thoughts and feelings?). Will your brain allow your mind to forget?
RAJA ARASA RATNAM 