General Discussion

zipplewrath

(16,646 posts) Thu Dec 13, 2018, 04:38 PM Dec 2018

Forgiveness

As the Trump Presidency worsens (which is hard to believe is possible) it occurs to me that surely someone must be sorry. But they aren't exactly coming out of the woodwork to apologize. Which in a way is probably a good thing. I'm not sure I'm able to forgive.

I don't feel this problem will be tested because Sister Dorthy taught us that there are 3 steps to forgiveness.

1) Admitting the sin. Like I say, I really haven't seen much of this

2) Act of Contrition. Basically, attempting to "right the wrong" or otherwise compensate for the sin. Anyone really believe a Trump voter is going to particularly change their stripes.

3) Commitment to not sinning again. See #2

I get really pissed when I think what a bunch of pissed of white people did to this country just because they were pissed off. They basically cut ALL our noses off to spite their face.

4 replies

= new reply since forum marked as read

Highlight:

Forgiveness (Original Post) zipplewrath Dec 2018 OP

Forgiveness from the Buddhist perspective vlyons Dec 2018 #1

Can't help those who will not help themselves even with offered guidance. Doreen Dec 2018 #3

And the people who voted for him? zipplewrath Dec 2018 #4

Thank your for this. I think it helps to highlight why I'm having a bit of a difficult time. WeekiWater Dec 2018 #2

vlyons

(10,252 posts)

1. Forgiveness from the Buddhist perspective

Reply to zipplewrath (Original post)

Thu Dec 13, 2018, 04:49 PM

Dec 2018

is more about feeling compassion for suffering sentient beings. Trump is suffering, and mentally is in a Hell of his own making. His undisciplined mind is filled with the negative emotions of anger, pride, greed, envy, and delusion. Compassion is not pity, and not a free pass to continue doing non-virtuous behavior. Compassion is simply seeing that someone is trapped in suffering. If there were something that I could do to awaken Trump, I would do it. But in truth there is nothing that I can do. Here's a little prayer that is part of my practice:

May the dark delusions of sentient beings be dispelled.
May all beings enjoy profound brilliant glory.

Doreen

(11,686 posts)

3. Can't help those who will not help themselves even with offered guidance.

Reply to vlyons (Reply #1)

Thu Dec 13, 2018, 06:13 PM

Dec 2018

Even if he started to learn in this lifetime it will not be enough. He will be continuing his learning for a very long time. I feel compassion because very likely he will be on the receiving end of someone like he is now. I would never wish that on anyone.

zipplewrath

(16,646 posts)

4. And the people who voted for him?

Reply to vlyons (Reply #1)

Thu Dec 13, 2018, 06:15 PM

Dec 2018

What is their excuse.

WeekiWater

(3,259 posts)

2. Thank your for this. I think it helps to highlight why I'm having a bit of a difficult time.

Reply to zipplewrath (Original post)

Thu Dec 13, 2018, 04:51 PM

Dec 2018

https://www.democraticunderground.com/100211537222

I'm glad you posted this and I was here to read it. Someone did mention something similar in a reply to mine.

Reply to this discussion