Forgiveness (Khama)

Forgiveness – Healing the Past

The Forgiveness Workbook (a work in progress)

In our addictions; our cravings and our compulsions, and in our recovery, we can be immobilised by our sense of guilt and shame about events that have happened in the past.

We can close this door to potential relapse through the practice of forgiveness meditation, or more correctly, Forgiveness Bhavana – the cultivation of forgiveness.

It can be very positive and beneficial to develop forgiveness bhavana, particularly in the early stages of practice. We can learn to ask for forgiveness, to forgive ourselves and we can also set the intention to forgive others.

We can learn to bring forward memories about things that have happened in the past in a skilful way; without re-traumatising ourselves or others.

We can use this healing practice to examine how we have harmed ourselves and other people; and how others have hurt us, then, when we feel ready and able, we can let it go.

We can use the Five Universal Precepts to understand how harm is caused, and as prompts to recall past errors and hurts [rather like a ‘Moral Inventory’ as used in 12-Step traditions]

The Heart of Recovery interactive workshops run several times per year – see https://hungryghostretreats.org/the-forgiveness-programme/ for details.

Related resources:

Document Link: The Forgiveness Workbook (a work in progress) – by Vince Cullen

Video Link: A Template for Forgiveness – by Vince Cullen (1h17m)

Video Link: Transgression & Forgiveness – by Vince Cullen (1h24m)

Topics for contemplation & investigation:  Forgiveness (Khama)

Audio Link:  Forgiveness a guided meditation – by Gil Fronsdal (15:03)

Audio Link:  Forgiveness for Depression a guided meditation – by Ronna Kabatznick (21:34)

Audio Link:  Forgiveness – a talk by Gil Fronsdal (45:20)

Webpage:  Sila Forgiveness Meditation

Webpage:  The Blessings of Awakening