How to Forget & Forgive Past Mistakes

In Buddhist teachings the path of happiness and peace comes through understanding suffering. Mistakes in the past are often a cause of suffering in the present. In order to gain happiness we must strive to understand and have compassion for the things in life that cause us suffering. In order to forgive past mistakes, it is essential that you accept them as an inevitable part of the human experience and shift your perspective to viewing all past mistakes as an opportunity to develop strategies to increase your happiness and peace. Forgetting occurs over time, as you forgive your mind releases the emotional attachment to events.

Instructions

• 1

  Create a sacred space to begin your practice. The practice of forgiveness is one that requires an environment of reverence. This is an environment in which it is easiest for you to connect to your highest self. A sacred space should be clear, quiet and free from distractions.

• 2

  Think about all people in your life that you may have caused harm to. Repeat this statement, "to those whom I may have caused harm, knowingly or unknowingly, through my thoughts, words and actions, I ask your forgiveness."

• 3

  Think about the people that have caused you harm. With your eyes closed, visualize the faces of these people. Repeat the following statement, "to those who may have caused me harm, knowingly or unknowingly, through their thoughts, words and actions, I offer my forgiveness."

• 4

  Think about the things you do to cause yourself harm. Visualize these things you do in your mind. Repeat the following statement, "for any harm I may have caused myself, knowingly or unknowingly, through my thoughts, words and actions, I offer my forgiveness."