Forgiveness – A difficult, but an everlasting virtue

Among all the virtues to be learnt in life, Forgiveness is the most difficult one. But once the virtue is adapted, it becomes the most beautiful quality and the greatest strength of oneself. When we forgive, we let ourselves rid of the negative energy and life becomes positive as there is no grudge to stop us from going ahead. This act of balance was beautifully balanced by Shri Ram. His compassion to forgive even his worst enemy teaches us to acknowledge people who give even the smallest support given in life and to forgive those people who cause the greatest difficulties.
Forgiving Manthara – It is easier to remember the misdoings of a person but difficult to forgive. But Shri Ram was just the opposite. He never held any grudge against people who made him go through miserable hardships. Manthara was a mere maid in the palace of Ayodhya, and Shri Ram had all the right to punish her for instigating Queen Kaikeyi. But Shri Ram in fact not even questions the reason for her doing so and shows the same respect to her as Queen Kaikeyi.
Respect for Kaikeyi – Right from Maharaj Dasarath, all rebuke Kaikeyi for her deeds, but Shri Ram never complains on his mother and also convinces his brothers Bharat and Lakshman to forgive and treat her with respect. Shri Ram shows that grudges increase the gaps between people and forgiveness brings them closer and successfully saves the family from falling apart.
Letting go of Shuk and Saran – When the preparations of the battle of Lanka are going on, the spies Shuk and Saran come disguised as Vanars to spy on Shri Ram’s army. However they are caught by Vibhishan. When they are taken to Shri Ram, instead of punishing them, he releases and forgives them without any hesitation. He mentions that they were only doing their duty as spies and it was not right to punish them. He instead asks Vibhishan to escort them to see the whole army and finish the work assigned to them. Shri Ram proves that a true warrior is not afraid of spies and relies upon his strength to win.
A last chance to Ravan – Before the war starts, Shri Ram sends Angad as a messenger of peace to Ravan’s court. Shri Ram had the heart to forgive his worst enemy Ravan in spite of all the injustice done by the demon king. Shri Ram mentions that he is ready to forgive Ravan too, if he gives back Mata Sita with due honour to him as he is not an enemy of Ravan but the enemy of his injustice and evil. After he emerges victorious in the battle, he respects Ravan as a great warrior asks Vibhishan to perform his final rites in a manner befitting a great king, thus showing no hatred or grudge towards Ravan.
Gratitude and remembering all those who help us in the way of life is a beautiful virtue. If the virtue of forgiveness is added to the same, then life becomes a smooth path as with forgiveness, we leave all thoughts of pride and arrogance and understand the true meaning of life is to live and let live with compassion for all.