Mixture of good and bad energies provide a natural balance in the Universe. When we despise someone for committing a sin, we are adding to the hate. It is not wise to hate the sinner. The sinner is likely to be ignorant to the state of the karmic energies that their actions are producing. By indicting them, the avenue for their transformation is closed.
According to our scriptures and epics, a person who does not forgive sinners carries a baggage of memories of the wrong, of negative feelings, of anger and unresolved emotions that affect his or her present as well as future. Not only should one forgive others, but one must also seek forgiveness if one has wronged someone else. Forgiveness is to be sought from the individual wronged, as well as society at large, by acts of tolerance, love and empathy.
Our Sadguru Shirdi Sai Baba believed in reforming a person who had committed a sin by changing his thought process and inculcating in him virtues and love for the Lord. Instead of castigating them, Baba changed the mind set of persons to tread the righteous path and not indulge in heinous deeds. Adam Dalali was involved in a serious criminal case and was likely to be convicted. He surrendered at the lotus feet of Sai Baba who saved him from its dire consequences by influencing his inner thoughts to become a prosecution witness. Similarly, a person who addicted to drinking got transformed after Baba appeared in his dream and forcibly made him get rid of the bad habit.
Our Father of the Nation, Mahatama Gandhi embraced the path of truth and forgiveness. His famous quote “Hate the Sin but not the Sinner” is well known to all of us. He emphasised that hating the sinner would breed further sin in the society. However, by having an aversion for sin, life of mankind would be enhanced and lead to a state of happiness and bliss.
Our planet would become a paradise if we undertake the role of eradicating sin in the society by the process of transformation of the thought process of the persons who have committed sins by their own ignorance and perverted minds. It is love and compassion that transforms sinners into virtuous persons. Needless to mention, the sinners should be able to visualise the implications of their evil deeds to make them better individuals. This shall pave way for the mankind to nurture love and kindness for each other and live in peace and harmony with each other.
Rajiv Kaicker – New Delhi
