tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13308732.post3990413679280718107..comments2023-10-18T02:23:07.047-05:00Comments on A Pagan Sojourn: Interfaith Event #5: ForgivenessS. Nicholehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04751328960282952373noreply@blogger.comBlogger5125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13308732.post-1227196367248915712007-04-10T12:02:00.000-05:002007-04-10T12:02:00.000-05:00Hi Sojourner,I think there are many commonalities ...Hi Sojourner,<BR/>I think there are many commonalities between the Buddhist and Pagan views of forgiveness. Since neither of us are bound to a Creator god in the same way as Christians, we require a different fundamental basis for forgiveness, if we are to give it any importance at all. And I think it is easy to observe that its practice is wholeheartedly healing and positive. <BR/><BR/>I think your reference to humility is one that I neglected to mention directly in my essay. The fact that TRUE forgiveness <I>(it's easy to say the words; it's much much harder to forgive in your heart)</I> requires a great degree of humility is of prime importance in Buddhism, and is the main way in which forgiveness helps us overcome what we call "delusion," or the seemingly inherent attachment we have to our own Egos. To truly forgive, we have to acknowledge the pain and hurt we have caused another (or ourselves, in the case of self-forgiveness of which Angela-Eloise so aptly mentioned the importance). And not only do we have to acknowledge it internally, we have to admit our failing to the world-at-large.<BR/><BR/>Great essay exploring these issues, and I think you and I hold very similar views on this topic, with a slight philosophical difference underpinning the whole process.Mikehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17934386917419130389noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13308732.post-69078789268774516192007-04-09T18:29:00.000-05:002007-04-09T18:29:00.000-05:00Jaspenelle,I would agree that it is an important p...Jaspenelle,<BR/><BR/>I would agree that it is an important part of personal spiritual growth. I think it would be great if more Pagans started talking about forgiveness, as well as other similar concepts, as it will help people to relate their spiritual side and their daily life. We need to start talking more about these kinds of things (IMHO).S. Nicholehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04751328960282952373noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13308732.post-78511991336888570912007-04-09T18:24:00.000-05:002007-04-09T18:24:00.000-05:00Angela-Eloise,I have not read Sylvan's book yet (a...Angela-Eloise,<BR/><BR/>I have not read Sylvan's book yet (although it has been on my list for awhile). It is great to know that she talks about forgiveness in her book.<BR/><BR/>While I have yet to read it, I would say that (based on what you have told me here) that I agree with Sylvan's view that we have to learn to forgive ourselves, in the sense of not be overtaken with a sense of guilt. <BR/><BR/>I hope that Pagans can continue to talk about forgiveness (and other spiritual and religious concepts) as it will help to continue the process of personal growth.S. Nicholehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04751328960282952373noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13308732.post-15254506839355935602007-04-09T11:46:00.000-05:002007-04-09T11:46:00.000-05:00This was a very interesting read (I must go and re...This was a very interesting read (I must go and read the other essays now!)<BR/><BR/>On a personal level (and Pagan one I suppose) I think forgiveness is vital. When people don't forgive (themselves or others) they tend to attract negative energy which is counterproductive to spiritual growth.<BR/><BR/>If we want to live with more peace in our souls, we need to invite the energy of wholeness rather then lack. I think forgiveness is one facet of wholeness.Jaspenelle Jovianhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12525571345912477759noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13308732.post-38340195579461757862007-04-08T14:10:00.000-05:002007-04-08T14:10:00.000-05:00Dianne Sylvan has some interesting things to say a...Dianne Sylvan has some interesting things to say about forgiveness in her book <I>The Circle Within</I>. She considers forgiveness to be one of the Wiccan Graces that we must embrace in order to truly "live" our faith. <BR/><BR/>She too says that since forgiveness is often tied to the concept of sin, Wiccans (and by extension I'm including other Pagans) don't have the same avenues for forgiveness that Christians do. In her opinion this is a good thing, but I'll admit that I'm inclined to lean the direction you are going in the sin department, Sojourner.<BR/><BR/>But Dianne's main position on forgiveness is that since we hold ourselves accountable for our actions, and not necessarily to a higher power who will absolve us of our wrongdoings, the biggest obstacle we have to forgiveness is forgiving ourselves. By exercising compassion for ourselves as we do for others, we create a space for forgiveness. Once we forgive ourselves its much easier to forgive others.Angela-Eloisehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08840488009987555114noreply@blogger.com