Recall the iconic lines of one of India’s most celebrated actors, Amitabh Bachchan. In his baritone voice, his body punctured with bullets and bleeding profusely, Vijay—as he is addressed in the acclaimed film Deewar—looks intently at the idol of Lord Shiva and says, “Bahut khush hoge tum!” Bachchan, in the film, essays the role of a contrabandist who is an atheist. However, in the final stages of his life, he surrenders to the supreme power and seeks absolution for the sins of omission and commission.
His mind transforms, and the ossified self melts when the quintessential truth dawns: holding on to anger only harms the individual.
True enlightenment lies in living a compassionate life. The human mind and heart reach a point of inflection where an act of pardon becomes inevitable. The wise, blessed with a strong mind, attempt to discover something charitable in every individual, perceiving the image of divinity within them. Such emotionally evolved souls embrace saintly traits, even when confronted with those who have erred gravely.
In contrast, an ordinary mind struggles to separate the chaff from the grain. Burdened with negative thoughts, it fails to transcend emotional barriers and is unable to forgive—even for minor hurts. Such a mind remains in perpetual conflict and, out of immaturity, may even criticize noble or divine figures.
It is ironic that Mahatma Gandhi, a staunch opponent of capital punishment, was felled by an assassin’s bullets. His last words were “Hey Ram.” Similarly, Jesus Christ is believed to have implored God to forgive those who crucified him, as they did not understand the gravity of their actions.
Many organized religions emphasize forgiveness. Without rising to the higher ideals of compassion, individuals remain trapped in the endless cycle of cause and effect—the Karmic cycle—without resolution. The key lies in strengthening the human mind to make it both resilient and compassionate.
Human actions—and even inactions—leave a lasting imprint on the mind. Non-action, too, can be a form of karmic activity, often representing the failure to act when required.
The cardinal principle of Christianity is compassion, though it is not rooted in the cause-and-effect theory. The Church encourages the faithful to purge negativity from their minds, with kindness and benevolence as guiding ideals.
It is also noteworthy that while Christians seek forgiveness from the Almighty, in Jainism, followers seek forgiveness from society. During the festival of Kshamavani, people ask for pardon for mistakes committed knowingly or unknowingly.
Sage Ashtavakra, author of the Ashtavakra Gita, advocates breaking free from the bondage of guilt and anger to attain true liberation.
The greatest gift humanity can offer itself is the ability to cultivate forgiveness and compassion. This alone can break the vicious cycle of hatred, despair, anger, and violence. A peaceful and harmonious society can only be built by individuals who are calm and compassionate within.
A poignant Zen story illustrates this beautifully. A Zen Master once asked his disciples whether they harbored hatred. When they admitted that they did, he asked each of them to carry a potato in their bag as a reminder of their unresolved negativity. The number of potatoes increased with the level of anger they held.
Over time, the potatoes rotted and emitted a foul smell, becoming an unbearable burden. When the disciples pleaded for relief, the Master advised them to let go of hatred—lest it burden their lives just like the decaying potatoes.
To lead a happy and fulfilling life, individuals must embrace forgiveness and compassion. These qualities strengthen the mind and enhance emotional intelligence. Positive affirmations—rooted in love for all beings—can help build a more harmonious society.
If the human mind is the hardware, then compassion and forgiveness are its essential, non-negotiable software.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Ravi Valluri is Advisor, Krishnapatnam Railway Company Limited. He has authored both fiction and non-fiction work and is a faculty of the Art of Living. His latest work is Sita to Abhaya: Have Things Changed? He can be reached at valluri.ravi@gmail.com or WhatsApp at 9618564024.