A fundamental belief in Jainism is to seek as well as to grant forgiveness. We seek forgiveness from everyone, we might have hurt knowingly or unknowingly, the countless creatures as well as fellow humans. The following prayers help us in contemplating the suffering caused by our greed, pride and ignorance and to realize that forgiving is to live closer to our divine nature. The attribute of forgiveness leads to inner tranquillity as well as an atmosphere of peace, friendship and unity.
I ask forgiveness from all living beings, May all living beings forgive me.
I have friendship for all, Enmity towards none.
Whatever wrong I have done by thought, Whatever wrong I have done by word, Whatever wrong I have done by deed, I ask for forgiveness.
I forgive all Souls, may they forgive me.
Let the Perfect Souls witness that I bear no animosity toward any living being.
O Lord! I am friendly towards all, happy to see the virtuous, compassionate towards the miserable and downtrodden and indifferent towards those who are against the right path.
The Grace (Asking for Forgiveness)
I forgive all beings;
May all beings forgive me.
I am a friend to all life:
I have no ill will toward anyone.
All living beings, including myself,
have been suffering and reincarnating throughout the universe
because of clinging to conditions and habits; The push and pull of karma
we can bring an end to, by mutual forgiveness.
So, again, I declare that I forgive everyone and may everyone forgive me.
I forgive one and all and beg forgiveness from one and all.
I am friendly towards all creatures and cherish enmity towards none.
Book of Jainism Prayers
Leave a Reply