For acquiring such Love, the quality of Kshama or forbearance is a vital necessity.
The problem is that Kshama (forbearance) is a greatly misunderstood quality. Too much of Kshama might be misconstrued as outright fear. Thin dividing line between forbearance and fear, I presume.
The Gita does not prescribe accepting oppression, injustice or mistreatment lying hands down out of fear of defeat. Nor does it prescribe rushing headlong towards self destruction on the pretext of challenging these wrongful acts. Forbearance also does not mean witholding the shield of defence or preserving the appearance of anger and offense to protect oneself from wrongful acts of bodily injury or damage to self respect. [there is again a thing line between self respect and ego!]
ReplyDeleteWrong doing should not be overlooked when we recognize it, as to do so makes us as guilty as the wrong doer. Karmically , we become partners in the wrongful act.
We can point out the wrong act in such a way that no offense is given, no harsh judgment is implied no pain is intended. And if we can point out a wrongful act we should point out the act to the wrong doer!-the declaration of independence of USA states "those who have the ability to act have the responsibility to act"- very powerful statement!. I have done precisely that [within our fraternity] and have faced the (adverse) consequences gladly! Acting this way we are absolved from any guilt resulting from silently appearing to acquiesce and approve of a wrongful act.
Forbearance, is therefore perhaps, defeating the fear of defeat, not defeating defeat itself.
At a higher level there is complete non violence-If a man slaps your cheek, offer him the other cheek to slap. This is a double edged sword.
ReplyDeleteNon violence does not mean allowing oneself to be exploited for following the principles of non violence. When Gandhiji was becoming a serious threat to imperialism, he was asked by a British Reporter "If you are willing to die for the sake of your country- can you give up your life now?"
Similarly forbearance does not mean allowing oneself to be exploited beyond a point. There is a threshold point and it varies from situation to situation and individual to individual.
Fear arises on account of Selfishness
ReplyDeleteAbsence of fear may arise on account of selflessness
Fear breeds forbearance
Forbearance can never breed fear for oneself but can cause a lot of fear for others!!!