How a forgiving heart differs from a vengeful one?

You will note how beautifully Pujya Shri Babuji (Ram Chandra, Founder, Sahaj Marg) explains the fundamental aspect of ‘bhoga’ through his commentary in the Maxim, and furthermore inspires us as to how and why we must take wrongs done by others as heavenly gifts. “If you are feeling wronged by anyone, do not wish for revenge. Instead, think this comes from god and be grateful,” reads the maxim.

Should we not take this as an order for the sake of cultivating habits of the forgiving heart? He writes, “The circumstances for the process of bhogam, which may be from internal causes or external, are thus created. The external help comes in the form of suffering caused by the wrongs done by others, against which the people generally poison their thought on account of their own ignorance. This is very improper because this action, having helped the process of purification, has in fact put you under a sense of obligation. When this is the case, the work done through an external agency, it may be any, has in other words rendered the function of a true friend.”

Our heart naturally appreciates the vast differences between the forgiving heart, the grateful heart and the vengeful heart. Allow the heart to perceive these opposites. For the mundane existence, some level of openness of heart is required, but those who crave speedy spiritual evolution will have to cultivate an unprecedented level of openness of the heart.

The yielding heart attracts grace, happiness, cheerfulness, and joy, which, in turn, build relationships. The vengeful heart breeds animosity and divides. The forgiving heart, while attracting grace, attracts blessings from the higher authorities in its trail. Imagine their joy when one lets go of this evil from the heart, once and for all.

Remedy: The prelude to forgiveness is that gem of qualities, that of an accepting heart, which heals all wounds. By constantly cultivating humility and by keeping a check over one’s thoughts, feelings, and actions, we can all have the capacity to stay away from web of pride.

The heart, which is drowned in gratefulness towards god, no longer needs to forgive anyone. In such hearts, there is no pride to be hurt, nor can such a heart hurt anyone through retaliation. Where there is no hurt, how can there be seeds of revenge or vengeance? There is always peace, peace and peace. Heart that is peaceful, content and above all silent – what can it ask for more?

For our constant endeavour to remain pure and simple through daily sadhana, humility, meekness, and simplicity, then drench the heart. On its own, suddenly, we are overwhelmed by the outpour of love towards one and all.  The yielding heart attracts grace, happiness, cheerfulness, and joy, which, in turn, build relationships.

In the Gita, Lord Krishna instructs Arjuna to perform his actions in divine consciousness. He also gives Arjuna further flexibility, cajoles him that if he misses out and does not perform his actions in divine consciousness, he may surrender the results of his actions and be rid of the consequences.

An ideal shishya’s life canvas is all about ‘living in divine consciousness’ through the art of constant remembrance, which emerges out of joyful meditations. Suppose we miss out on performing actions in divine consciousness, we then submit the results and say, “They are at your lotus feet, my lord!” When the above is missed or willfully neglected, we can erase the impressions formed during the evening cleaning.

Despite of all that, in utter helplessness, we pray to our lord with a heart full of love and humility, beg forgiveness, and resolve not to repeat the same trend of errors.