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How to Seek Forgiveness
Adapted from Grow Younger, Live Longer, by Deepak Chopra (Three Rivers Press, 2001).
The great Vedic scholar Eknath Easwawan tells a poignant story. At the end of a lifetime, a person’s soul goes to a plane of existence where each life is reviewed. The soul enters a theater in which a movie of the recent life is playing. The soul begins watching the movie but often has to turn away because of terribly uncomfortable scenes. Sins of omission and sins of commission cramp the heart, and the scene becomes too painful to watch. As a result of not being able to watch the complete movie, important lessons are missed, and the soul must reincarnate to learn them in the next lifetime.
According to this story, the primary cause for not being able to watch the painful scenes of life is a lack of forgiveness—for others and for oneself. Forgiveness is the essence of letting go. It means relinquishing attachments to the past and clearing encumbrances that constrict the heart. These constrictions are the source of inertia, entropy, and aging. Release them to grow younger.
Try this simple exercise.
Close your eyes, bring your attention into your heart and ask if you are holding onto any grievances, hostilities, resentments or regrets. If any come to mind, ask what occurred that led to the blockage in your heart. Then, ask what needs to occur now in order to release these toxins. Look for the gift that every life experiences offers, even painful ones, and express your gratitude for the experience.
Remember this beautiful expression from A Course in Miracles and refer to it often: “Every decision I make is a choice between a grievance and a miracle.” We encourage you to choose a miracle.
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14 comments
add your comment »Forgiving is an action that sprouts from the soul. "High quality people" tend to forgive, while "inferior" people hold a grudge for the rest of their lives. In which category do you fall?
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as the saying goes...things happen for a reason.
you take the good and the bad, and that makes you who you are...if you can find a way to forgive yourself and others; then the anger, guilt, shame, remorse, and resentments (somewhat redundant)can be released and then you can open your senses to new levels of awareness that can open your opportunities to make more positive and lasting impressions for the creatures you encounter and in turn for the other creatures they encounter.
Thank You Deepak and the other wise teachers who are out there. Much love to all.
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Maryann,
Start a grateful journal to improve that little voice within you. I am happy you are reading Chopra's words of wisdom. You have many friends. If you want a friend; be one. Most importantly to yourself first. I am happy you have the garden in your life.
"He who plants a tree, loves others besides himself." Ben Franklin.
Learn to say NO. You cannot give what you do not have. It is ok to say no.
Learn the keys to be frugal; give when you can.
Hmmm, I share your pain with silence and work.
My energy inside is happy and high, and that is irritating to many. Life is not suppose to be easy. Our faith becomes stronger as we deal with the darkness.
Lift the veil of transitoriness. The veil that each man must lift in order to see behind it the Creator.
I am happy to see mention of Eckhart Tolle. I recently learned Opera ( I don't watch that often) and Suzie Ormann (I do watch often) are taking the class. I may check it out. Thank you Vivienne.
I experienced Kritan for the first time last night. A synchronesity is that I have been chanting songs of sanskirt not knowing the meanings. My favorite: Om Sat Chit Ananda.
Chopra says it means: "Every action genterates a force of energy that returns to us in like kind. Choosing actions that bring happiness and success to others ensures the flow of happiness and success to you."
Nameste all,
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Maryann M.,
I think you will find Eckhart Tolle's book a New Earth so inspiring in dealing with the things you mention. I really feel it will help you especially when I got to the end of your post when you said "I am so tired of me". He is doing a class on line also on the Oprah.com website every Monday at 9:00 to 10:30 pm Eastern time. The class is awesome. One of the best and easiest to understand that I have heard in a long time. It is great to hear him speak and you can watch it later if you don't make it on Mondays. All the best, Vivienne
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I purchased "A Course in Miracles" some years ago. Couldn't get through it. A lot of reading, learning, experience, and growing later, I thing I will start over and see what miracles come my way. I like the thought of choosing a miracle over grieveance. Thanks for the impetice to return to "A Course in Miracles" for a second go at it.
-Lois
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i agree in what you are saying, so true!!!
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Maryann,
My live-in girlfriend would undoubtedly label me a "silence is golden" partner. Your words have touched me. When I get home today I will share my thoughts with her. Know that you have touched the world in a positive way today, and that you can do so every day. It will be reflected back to you. No one can tell you that you're thinking the wrong things or behaving the wrong way. No one is better than you. Please forgive yourself for the things you find wrong (that is, release the BELIEF that they are wrong) and trust the process of your life. And by all means, re-read the beautiful words that Megan J offered. Thanks again. Peace and love,
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I mean one's view in issues that cause unforgiveness, not about Deepak Chopra's writing.
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There is a free powerful forgiveness process at radicalforgiveness.com that can change one's view completely.
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Thank you, this clarifies for me the point of other exercises and prayers I do on a regular basis.
Peter Stickney, Shareprayer.com
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