Forgiveness is an essential element of Oneness, and of unitive justice. But as is so often the case, we have not yet created a concise vocabulary to talk about the distinctions between our common dualistic mindset and the mindset of Oneness. Forgiveness is one of those concepts that is used in a dualistic way to mean something entirely different from the Oneness version.
In clarifying what the word forgiveness means in these two different mindsets, perhaps it will help if we first consider the ego. Duality and the ego are closely connected, and have their own meaning of forgiveness.
For the purpose of this discussion, I define ego as “an inflated sense of one’s own self-worth or superiority to others.” Egocentric describes the state of being governed by one’s ego and the fragmented, dualistic world that results. Preoccupation with one’s own needs and interests blinds one to the interests of others. The disorganizing process of duality is at play when one is egocentric.
The ego’s understanding of forgiveness often means that we will forgive another if he meets certain conditions, but we are prepared to withdraw our forgiveness if he fails along the way. This is more accurately called a conditional dispensation. Dispensation is of the world of duality.
Sometimes forgiveness is used to refer to specific rites and rituals in which one of higher status, such as a priest, is authorized to give a dispensation to one of lower status, the penitent. This might better be called a ceremonial dispensation.
The forgiveness that comports with Oneness, the forgiveness that heals, happens when the one who has been harmed sees that there is nothing to forgive, to hold in account, or to trade for some reward of self-righteousness. All is just as it must be to facilitate transformation for victim and wrongdoer alike. It is an opportunity to restore love and to experience who we truly are—secondary agents of creation, manifesting lovingkindness in the physical realm, while asking nothing in return.
Forgiveness reflects the exercise of free will in shaping the outcome in favor of restoration and reconciliation, foregoing judgment and punishment, which only deepen the disharmony. Forgiveness has the power it does because it is not bound by linear cause and effect the way dispensation seems to be. We know forgiveness by its fruit: it touches the hearts and minds of those directly involved, but also extends beyond them, creating miracles along the way with no strings attached.
The journey from the mindset of duality to the mindset of Oneness has many facets. Evolving from dispensation as the closest we can come to forgiveness, to seeing God’s hand in everything, even our pain, is part of the journey. Perhaps that pain is also a misunderstanding of a deeper process that is unfolding....END OF ARTICLE
I easily forgive & have forgiven everyone I have ever known for every injustice against me, but then again, I do not believe these things were injustices in the first place, but only differences in the way we think brought on by a combination of life events & how we perceive.
What are your thoughts?
