[scott snedeker]

Life without forgiveness would be unbearable. For without forgiveness we would carry the suffering and pain of all the trespasses that have resulted in pain that we have encountered. Who benefits from forgiveness? Everyone, but most of all it is the forgiver who frees himself from the suffering caused by his attachment to the pain. Without forgiveness, experiencing the joy of the moment would be impossible. Love is hindered. The beautiful shining inner queer spirit is trapped and caked with mud.



Forgiveness begins with ourselves. Each of us has cause harm to others, Knowingly or unknowingly. Through our fear, ignorance, confusion. Though our pain and suffering we have acted or spoken unskillfully resulting in injury to others. To ask for forgiveness is a given entitlement of being. We deserve forgiveness For the pain I have caused another, I ask for forgiveness. Pleases forgive me. Please forgive me.

Forgiveness is also needed to one's self. How often have we treated ourselves without compassion. How often have we harm ourselves out of self loathing or sacrifice. We judge ourselves much too harshly. To my self I ask May I be forgiven? May I let go of my self judgement? I am a shining being. A loving compassionate soul derserving of forgiveness. Forgive me for my trespasses against myself. My confusion caused me to violate my inner sanctuary. The love of my inner spirit, betrayed by my action and thought and word . I ask forgiveness and reunion with my inner sanctuary. please forgive me. please forgive me.

Sometimes the most diffcult direction of forgivess is toward others who have caused us harm and hurt....Humiliation and anger .. We all have been betrayed and hurt, some of us quite gravely. I allow the compassion that I feel for myself from the forgiveness I have received.

To the extent that I am able I feel compassion to those who from their pain and confusion have acted unskillfully and either knowingly or unknowingly have hurt me. I understand their pain and confusion that prevent them from acting compassionately. I feel their guilt and shame they feel for hurting another human being. To those who have harmed me. You have suffered enough. No more payment for your trespass is needed. I forgive you. I forgive you.

Forgiveness is necessary to live on. Forgiveness is necessary to end violence. Without forgiveness, joy and love are mingled with pain and anger ...and we become sickened and die inside