Simple forgiveness

There is much wrong with the world and a lot of conflict. Ukraine and Russia, Trump, and drones sighted above Europe. It all indicates that a lasting solution is required.

The best solution I can come up with, upon reflection, is simple forgiveness.

In the Tibetan Book of Living and Dying, how to face death is with forgiveness. As a person dies, they often regret much in their life and feel guilt.

If a person is dying, focus on their positive attributes and forgive them.

If it is your own death, you are facing, focus on forgiving anyone who has wronged you.

But the most powerful and succinct way to forgive is the Fourfold Steps to Forgiveness. This is outlined in Desmond Tutu’s book on forgiving, written with his daughter.

After apartheid came to an end in South Africa, there was much hatred between the black and white peoples who called the country their home.

Desmond’s daughter had a member of her household murdered in the family home, where they both lived.

And so the fourfold path was born.

1. Tell the story and context of the hurt.
2. Tell why it hurts.
3. Forgive
4. Release or renew the relationship.

This means that the two parties can separate,  unburdened by the hurt. Or they can renew their relationship and move forward into a better future, with wisdom.

Forgiveness does not mean the person or party who caused the harm goes unpunished. It means that you believe that they have a conscience and it’s their conscience they need to appease. It’s a belief in the goodness of all creation.

Forgiveness is the key to transcending the hurt and conflict in the world. As individuals we can make a lasting difference, if Forgiveness is the path we choose to tread.