Forgiveness is understood in different ways in the world’s sacred texts and religious traditions. For a number of religions, it is an important element.
In Hinduism, we find the concept of forgiveness (kshamâ), which is a virtue to be practiced. It is a behavior to be cultivated and developed through ritual acts toward the deities and personal introspection. It is even considered one of the divine qualities that maintain balance in the world.
In Judaism, the Day of Atonement is celebrated once a year. In the Torah, a passage recounts how Moses asked God for forgiveness on behalf of the Hebrew people, and this event gave rise to the holiday of Yom Kippur. During this day of fasting, prayer and repentance play a central role. According to tradition, it is on this day that God assesses a person’s past actions and re-inscribes them in the Book of Life for the new year. It is a day to renew one’s relationship with God and the world.
In Buddhism, forgiveness is part of the liberating wisdom shared by Siddhartha Gautama—the Buddha (the Enlightened One). Forgiveness is essential for individuals because it liberates them and reintegrates them into the great interdependence of all living things. Forgiveness also allows us to shift our perspective—which is very often self-centered—to seek to understand what is best for everyone.
In Islam, Allah grants forgiveness to those who repent. People are also encouraged to forgive one another during Eid al-Fitr, the festival marking the end of Ramadan. After this physical, emotional, and spiritual effort, it is a time to gather with family and show generosity toward those in need. In some parts of the world, it is even an opportunity to ask for forgiveness from anyone you meet for any wrong you have done. It is a time of individual and collective renewal.
Christianity is explored in another panel of this exhibition.
I forgive all living beings. May all beings forgive me. I am a friend to all. I harbor no animosity toward any creature. May all my faults be erased.
Prayer from Jainism, a religion of India