ZenLife Blog

The Power of Forgiveness
Psychology, Compassion Robert Althouse Psychology, Compassion Robert Althouse

The Power of Forgiveness

Forgiveness is strong medicine. It’s the practice of extending mercy when mercy is not forthcoming to you. You offer mercy to one who does not deserve mercy. You forgive another when you overcome your own resentment toward the offender, not by denying your right to be angry, but instead by overcoming your own anger by offering the wrongdoer compassion, benevolence, and love.

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The Power of Forgiveness
Zen, Buddhism, Psychology Robert Althouse Zen, Buddhism, Psychology Robert Althouse

The Power of Forgiveness

Forgiveness is connected to the Buddhist virtue of equanimity, a steadiness of mind that is the ground for wisdom and the protector of compassion. Forgiveness is related to the third Paramita of patience that helps us work with our own aggression and irritations. For when anger visits us and stays too long, it takes up residence in our heart as resentment.

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