Forgiveness

Forgiveness, as one matures, may become a state of enlightened consciousness in which the act or experience of transgression is appreciated as being intrinsic to a divine pattern of individual or collective development. One forgives neither the transgressor nor oneself. Rather, the perceived need for forgiveness is transformed into compassion for and understanding of one's own self-inflicted pain and suffering, and the pain and suffering inflicted on or endured by the perpetrator.

From a Jungian perspective, the initial victim/perpetrator reality arises as a consequence of a selfish and unenlightened stage of ego-consciousness...a state of infantile powerlessness and unconscious shadow projection. The transformation of forgiveness into compassion and understanding is intrinsic to an awakening Heart Center.

Victim polarization protects a youthful ego from having to integrate psychospiritually what could otherwise be overwhelming. In general, the first three stages of life - childhood, adolescence, and young adulthood - require victim polarization as well as one's taking sides with right/good and innocence when one is confronted with the darker aspects of Life. Such perspectives are among the defenses that are useful to the growing ego. A sensitive therapist or spiritual counselor will support feelings of victimization in a person who is in these stages of development. Subsequent transformation of victimization - through a recognition that one has perpetrated the same or similar acts, a discovery of one's own evil, and/or the development of one's ability to express the darker aspects of Life - usually requires three to four decades. Only then is a vehicle of awareness available that can, without defense or demoralization, bear the suffering of consciously recognizing one's larger nature.

During the second half of Life - the mature adult, early elder, and elder stages - a transformation of consciousness may be experienced whereby one realizes that what happens is organized by unconscious, transcedent forces unfolding a pattern of destiny and development. From this perspective, there is nothing to forgive except one's own superficiality and ignorance of the Divine nature of Beingness.

This brings us to a most wondrous sacred ritual concerning forgiveness...the on-your-knees or prostrate-on-the-ground kind of praying. It is the prayer to Source for the experience of Forgiveness. The Grace of this Forgiveness - this Enlightenment - may bestow on us a vision of the Soul's Path and Its destinty as an expression of Source. For those of us who have been blinded by the spectacular light of surface consciousness, this Forgiveness brings our share of the shade and a welcome relief from perfection.

A Radiance of Love,