Another Note on Forgiveness

All this stuff about forgiveness. In the absence of judgment, what is there to forgive? Then there's the problem of those who "forgive," often making an overt showing of it, to impress others, or even in an attempt to convince themselves of their virtue. It's worth considering how to express forgiveness without tendrils of ego attached to it.

Essential forgiveness is the Prayer of St. Francis, the many manifestations of the Golden Rule, and the Great Commandment given by Jesus, "Love one another as I have loved you," in a single word. Neither judgment nor personal virtue is on the radar screen.

Forgiveness looks past perceived offenses, and instead focuses on relieving pain, healing of body, mind, Soul and even circumstances.

Forgiveness is the Ultimate expression of Empathy and Compassion.

Maybe, as long as one is human, maintaining such an elegant understanding and practice of forgiveness can't happen all the time, but that is my aspiration anyway.