How to face our past blunders and move ahead in life?
Emperor, Ashoka the Great, lived from 304 to 232 BCE and was the third ruler of the Indian Mauryan Empire, one of the world’s largest empires at its time. He ruled his kingdom in an efficient but cruel way. He used to declare war on other kingdoms to expand his empire. Once he declared a war on Kalinga (present-day in Orrisa), which proved to be a turning point in his life. Around 1 lakh people were killed in that war. After the battle was over, he decided to behold the battlefield. Aghast by the massacre he created and bloodshed everywhere, he experienced a massive transformation in his life. At that point, he vowed not to be the cause of someone’s suffering anymore. Later, he took shelter of Buddhism and preached the message of love and peace.
At every stage of our life, we have to make decisions. These can be as simple as what to eat at breakfast and as tough as how to save an almost dying relationship. Even with our best effort, intelligence and guidance, not all decisions will turn out correct. While some wrong decisions may result in minimal to zero consequences, some other wrong decisions, can change the course of our life or maybe of someone else’s. Such wrong decisions can haunt a person for the lifetime, crippling them, deforming their personality and forcing them to live a life in darkness. The episode of consequences will keep repeating in their head because of the guilt and agony attached to it. We may not have the intention to harm or cause damage to the self or to the other person. But life unfolds in its own mysterious ways, not as per our plan.
“To err is to human.”
The Vedic wisdom informs us that every living entity has these defects: imperfect senses, tendency to be illusioned and tendency to commit mistakes. This is a very empowering statement as it informs us that by design, we are prone to commit mistakes even if we are too careful to prevent them. Though this doesn't permit for intentional wrong action, it does helps us acknowledge the fact that we, the humans, are not perfect.
“In order to heal, we must first forgive … and sometimes the person we must forgive is ourselves.” — Mila Bron
What should be done when we feel we are responsible for ruining ours or someone else’s life? Practice self-forgiveness! King Ashoka realized that his greed for occupying more territories was at the expense of human life, which was certainly undesirable as it didn’t bring happiness for his army or for the others. Thus transformed, instead of crying alone in the darkness created by his actions, he decided to forgive the self and moved on to offer what he could to society.
“Every saint has a past, every sinner has a future.” — Oscar Wilde
Self-forgiveness is not about forgetting our mistakes or blunders. It's about freeing ourselves from the cage of guilt and resentment, to work on constructing a better future. It's about, “what can I do now”? It's about moving ahead and taking steps of what can be done now instead of wasting a lifetime thinking ‘what went wrong’. Just because a person is a sinner today, doesn't mean he can't be a saint in future! Work on a better version of yourself. Work on the circle of influence. Create a better world for yourself and for others.
Bhagavad Gita informs us that determination that doesn't go beyond lamentation, is in the mode of ignorance and thus, is disempowering. Be determined to rise above lamentation and create a better future.
So, practise self-forgiveness. And remember, we can't undo the past, but we can build a new future. Go ahead and make a better future! All the best!
Liked what you read? Share with friends and yes, don’t forget to appreciate by clapping for the article :)
Want regular updates? Like Facebook Page.
For updates, please follow.
To connect, share your contact details.
Want an article on a particular topic? Comment below :)
My suggestion: Please read the Bhagavad Gita As It Is by HDG A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada for deeper insights.
