Moment of Calm

Forgive, but Forget?

What exactly is “The Moment of Calm?” It’s a global initiative for World Peace.

It’s main purpose is to bring calmness into our hearts through forgiving.

Often, people are sucked into this negative attribute of hatred towards others,

whether this is hatred towards a certain family member, friend or even

strangers for that matter.  The truth is that we, as humans, don’t understand the

impact that negative traits impose upon us. Hatred stems from the root of

jealousy, anger, greed, selfishness and lust. The word in itself is too strong a

word to use on any living being, or even any non-living thing. Have you ever

heard yourself say,  “I really hate that girl. She is so rude.” Or something as

simple as “You know what? I really wish I had the same bag. She really isn’t that

kind." Why use the word hate? Why do we need to degrade ourselves and allow

our emotions to get the better of us?

People often preach and tell each other “Forgive and forget.” We all have learned

this lesson while growing up. Let’s be honest. It is easier to preach than to

practice.  The Dalai Lama says all it takes is a split moment to forgive someone

you hate. We must minimize destructive emotions and actions. Not just

physically, but even mentally and emotionally.  He believes that the negative

emotions stirred into us are through our enemies, and to cater to that, we must

learn to distract ourselves and to forgive them for what they do.  This ultimately

leads to a peaceful mind.

Some people reading this might still be skeptical and ask, “So how exactly do we

practice world peace and forgive someone?” There are four very simple steps.

The first and most important, stop being judgmental.  No one is perfect so only

God should be the judge of that.  Second, develop the spirit of tolerance and

understanding towards a person, whether you like them or dislike them. Learn

to grow past these thoughts and treat them like your equal. Third, try to control

the animalistic impulse to fight, argue and retaliate. Lastly, this has helped me

umpteen times and surely, many can relate. It is important to pray to God. 

Sometimes, our situations may be severe and we alone cannot forgive without

the help of God. 

I believe that forgiveness heals. It is a way to purify our minds and hearts, and as

Mahatma Gandhi once said, “The weak can never forgive. It is the attribute of the
strong.” I know that from today, I will practice forgiving all my enemies and destroy

my ill feelings for those I dislike. I will purify my thoughts and allow myself to

heal spiritually and mentally. Let’s do this together and perhaps we will be able to

inspire others too and join the pilgrim of love.