Imagine life as a flowing river, with various opportunities, happiness, and moments drifting downstream. When someone becomes fixated on what a person said or did, it’s like they’ve anchored themselves to a rock in the middle of the river. Their mind becomes trapped, swirling around the hurtful words or actions, unable to move forward with the current of life. While they’re stuck there, they miss the chance to catch the opportunities or experience the joy in the universe. They’re so preoccupied with the past that they can’t see what lies ahead in the river of life.

On the other hand, forgiveness acts like releasing that anchor. When someone forgives, it’s like they let go of the weight holding them back. They’re free to flow with the river of life, enjoy its currents and explore the opportunities it presents. By forgiving, they open themselves up to experiencing new moments of happiness and fulfilment.

The ability to open yourself to new moments of happiness is echoed by all spiritual masters across eras. We read in holy scriptures that Lord Shri Ram forgave his enemies and that Lord Jesus asked God to forgive those who hurt him. In the same vein, Satguru Baba Hardev Singh Ji Maharaj wrote in the Sampuran Hardev Bani:

“ If you want mercy for self, show mercy to others too
If you want to be forgiven, do forgive others too”

– Hardev Bani (Verse 56)

Just as in physics, where every force has an equal and opposite reaction, in human interactions, our actions towards others often provoke corresponding reactions. If we act with forgiveness and mercy towards others, it’s likely that we’ll receive forgiveness and mercy in return, creating a positive cycle of understanding and compassion. However, the process of forgiving someone can indeed be challenging. It requires letting go of resentment, anger, and hurt feelings, which can feel like an emotional burden. This difficulty is akin to overcoming inertia in physics—a resistance to change or motion. Yet, just as overcoming inertia leads to movement and change, overcoming the reluctance to forgive can lead to emotional healing and growth. So, while forgiveness may be difficult, it can ultimately lead to positive outcomes.

But how does one forgive? This is where the God-Knowledge blessed to us by Satguru Mata Sudiksha ji Maharaj helps us. If we realise that we are part of the creation and that everything is happening with God’s will, then there will be no question of getting angry with someone or something. Wherever we go, we will realise God within every particle and life will become full of blessings and gratitude. Execution of this realization in every given moment, especially when faced with challenging situations, is important. However, it is in those moments, we sometimes forget to keep this realization in the forefront. To help us get back on the track of realization, here are three things to remember when it becomes difficult to forgive:

• We are not one to judge the right or wrong of others because we might not know their story.
• We are responsible for our own actions only.
• We need to focus on seeking forgiveness for ourselves and others.

Simran reminds us of the importance of seeking forgiveness. Multiple studies show that humans make at least three mistakes (usually 5-7) every hour that they are awake, increasing to 11-15 per hour under extreme stress or fatigue. So being a doer of so many mistakes, focusing on the mistakes of others is a mistake in itself! No wonder the Simran we have been blessed with has the line, “Mainu baksh lo.” We all surely need it!

Intro – When someone forgives, it’s like they let go of the weight holding them back. They’re free to flow with the river of life, enjoy its currents and explore the opportunities it presents.

Blurb – The ability to open yourself to new moments of happiness is echoed by all spiritual masters across eras.

– Sneha Rautmare (Ireland)