To forgive, seek:

1. Your own Freedom. Want your own freedom from pain 
2. Compassion. Compelled by their delusions
3. The Lesson. How can I learn from this?

 

Forgiveness means stopping the cycle of anger and harm.

 

On analysis of whether the object has self-control, anger is unjustified.

The master Candrakīrti also states: “This is not living beings’ fault, Rather it is the fault of the afflictions.” 

 

But I tell you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who mistreat you and persecute you. —Jesus, Matthew 5:44

 

Those who seek their own happiness

     By causing suffering for others

Are entangled in hostility.

     From hostility they are not set free. (Verse 291)

—Buddha, The Dhammapada

 

References and Links

 

Buddha.The Dhammapada. Translated by Gil Fronsdale. (Kindle). Shambala, Boston and London, 2011, pp. 72 (Link)

 

Buddha (1986).The Dhammapada: Verses and Stories. Translated by Daw Mya Tin, M.A. (Website). Edited by Editorial Committee, Burma Tipitaka Association Rangoon. Courtesy of Nibbana.com. For free distribution only, as a gift of dhamma.

https://www.tipitaka.net/tipitaka/dhp/verseload.php?verse=291