forgiveness – Human Values Institute

A powerful way to live

We live with many hurts that drag us down and close our heart. It is totally unnecessary, yet neglected. We choose to ignore them and be complacent by not paying attention to them. It is […]

At one level, forgiveness means you shouldn’t develop feelings of revenge. Revenge harms the other person. It is a form of violence and usually leads to counter-violence – so the problem never goes away. At […]

Let’s start the new year with a clean state

Let’s start the new year with a clean slate. Forgiveness is at the top of the list to clean our slate. Let go of hurts and all kinds of ‘stickiness.’ Whatever feels stuck, just consciously […]

A mind committed to compassion

A mind committed to compassion is like an overflowing reservoir – a constant source of energy, determination and kindness. This mind can also be likened to a seed; when cultivated, it gives rise to many […]

Forgiveness is powerful medicine

Forgiveness is powerful medicine. Practicing it means that we are taking good care of ourself. It is simply allowing ourself to let go of hurts that have built up often over years. We start with […]

Forgiveness is letting go of pain and hurt

Forgiveness is the lynchpin that unlocks our heart. It allows energy to flow. Holding tightly to grudges and hurts blocks the flow of energy, leading to mental pain and physical pain. Tightly holding onto and […]

How do we forgive ourself?

We often forget to forgive ourself. Hurts build up inside of us again and again. These hurts cause deep pain. They can fester, and wall off like an abscess. It is imperative that we clear […]

Forgiveness and gratitude

Our default position whenever possible is forgiveness and gratitude. Forgiveness counters arrogance and ego. This moves us towards insight and wisdom. Gratitude opens our heart to compassion. Wisdom and compassion lead to the two bodies […]

We all have this potential

Forgiving ourselves creates a beautiful cake called a ‘torma’ in Tibetan. On a deeper level this “cake” is actually the enlightened mind of a Buddha. We all have this potential. Forgiveness helps ripen this. So […]

8 Verses of Training the Mind

Please remember the ‘8 Verses of Training the Mind (in compassion)’ is meant to be lifelong study and practice. The last verse is particularly tough all about the Buddhist wisdom of reality not being what […]