Table of Contents

29.IS IT GOOD HABIT TO FORGIVE?

I have made this topic for discussion because some indirect or positive changes in our body are caused by the forgiveness in any person or in any other organism. These changes can hamper or accelerate our development process. Before we proceed, I want to know to you what forgiveness is. Forgiveness means “voluntarily putting an end to discrimination and anger against someone who has committed a crime or mistake.” The quality of forgiveness is found in all people. Effects of forgiveness.

If someone is not forgiving you, it does not mean that he is unkind. Maybe his ideals are high and he is living a great life from you too. Who gets wrong in this situation, to the one who makes the mistake or the one who does not forgive? Tell me! Do you tell me, is forgiveness the solution to someone’s mistake? No. As you know that forgiveness depends on a person’s own will.

In Jain philosophy, we worship ourselves and our life values by worshiping spiritual elements during the days of Paryushan or Dashalakshana. A special festival is celebrated just one day after its completion and that is the pardon. In the Svetambara tradition, it is called as Samvatsari, while the followers of the Digambara tradition call it Kshamaparva or Kshamavani festival. This festival is celebrated with great pomp. In the world, it is a different festival of its kind, in which forgiveness or apology is offered. The sentence of Christ is – O Father! Forgive them because they don’t know what they are doing. On the other hand, the Quran considered forgiveness as bold – one who is patient and forgives, it is certainly one of great courage for him. Banabhatta has described forgiveness in Harshacharit as the root of all austerities. Mahabharata has said, forgiveness is the virtue of incapable human beings and Bhushan of able human beings. There are some positive effects of forgiveness and some negative also. In this chapter, we will know that is it a good habit to forgive?

Positive effects of forgiving: –

When you forgive a person, you are very important for him for a moment or forever. You become God for him. He looks at you with pity. The moment you forgive him, the moment a positive energy flows in you, you become blissful. There are two types of changes inside the person as soon as you forgive. A change in which he vows to himself that he will never make such a mistake in life. The second change is that he now finds time to repeat the mistake again. While forgiving, the person is normal. Goes by his appearance, now he will not make any mistake at all.

When there are positive changes in a person, then a positive energy flows with you as well as in that person. Both people benefit from having pity. The energy which is transmitted in you, the same energy is also transmitted in other people, this energy (soul) is always in favour of the fact that all human beings should walk on positive path. When you forgive then it suits your soul and that’s why you feel good after forgiving. Forgiveness is a special quality; you can start it with small things. Before forgiving, you must know exactly what the effect will be on this person by my forgiveness. It is very important. And for this we must know very well what the negative effects of forgiveness are.

Negative effects of forgiving: –

Though forgiveness is a special quality, but it also has some harmful effects. If there is no positive change in the person you forgive, then there is no point in forgiving by you. You may have got the benefit of forgiving him but he is determined to make a mistake again. In this situation, forgiving by you will become a problem for you. Therefore, we should judge someone who is better to forgive. There is a provision of punishment for such mistakes which cannot be forgiven.

Forgiveness or fear, are only two ways we can prevent people from making mistakes. For decades, the process of punishment for a mistake has proved to be very effective. You can punish a criminal for some specific reasons – to maintain fear in the criminals by punishment, to take revenge on the offender with a sense of vengeance, to stop crimes, to provide an opportunity for the offender to repent and to improve the offender. And it is very important that at the right time we should know who is worth forgiving and who should be punished.

Summary: Is It Good Habit to Forgive? Effects of forgiveness-

Forgiveness means voluntarily putting an end to discrimination and anger against someone who has committed a crime or mistake. It is a rare but profound quality. But is it always good to forgive? Let’s find out.

🟢 Positive Effects of Forgiving

Forgiveness creates a positive energy inside the forgiver and the forgiven.
The person receiving forgiveness may feel inspired never to repeat the mistake.
Forgiveness can bring peace, emotional healing, and improved relationships.
It connects us to our soul and aligns us with positive values.
Effects of forgiveness.

Philosophical and religious traditions across the world praise forgiveness:

Jainism: Celebrates forgiveness in Samvatsari and Kshamavani.
Christianity: “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.”
Islam: Forgiveness is a sign of strength and patience.
Mahabharata: “Forgiveness is the ornament of the strong.”

🔴 Negative Effects of Forgiving

If the person doesn’t realize their mistake, forgiveness may encourage repetition.
Forgiving too easily might make people take you for granted.
Sometimes punishment is necessary to maintain justice and societal balance.

⚖️ When to Forgive and When Not To?

Forgiveness should be thoughtful. Not everyone deserves forgiveness—especially when the mistake is repeated or harmful to others. In such cases, **justice and corrective action** may be more appropriate.

🌱 Final Thought

Forgiveness is divine when rightly used. It’s a powerful tool of healing and personal growth, but it must be guided by wisdom, not weakness. Know when to forgive and when to act firmly for the greater good.Effects of forgiveness.

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Effects of forgiveness