Forgive & Be Healed
The Zen Series
“Forgive and be healed!”
-Robert Howard Thomas
American Philosopher, Author, Yachtsman
(1932 –
The Village Headman was intelligent, dutiful, and personally strong; so it was with increasing concern that his people watched his broad shoulders stoop lower, and his tall figure become twisted with the pain of “advancing years.” His walk became halting, his breath came with greater deliberation and his glance acquired a dark cast.
This serious matter called for an intervention! A messenger was dispatched to Edo to request an emergency visit by Master Sojin, the Temple Elder.
“I have no ills!” said the Headman. “I require no wise man to deliver “counsel” with honeyed words and confounding philosophy!” But when Sojin arrived, he did consent to at least see the respected Master.
“How may I serve you? What requires resolution?” enquired Sojin.
“I am fine!” said the Headman, “but I have, quite reasonably, become fatigued, worn and angry at the way of the world.”
“What “Way” is that?” enquired Sojin.
“My charges,” said the Headman. “They are obtuse, obdurate, difficult, unreasonable, they do not always do as I suggest, they complain, they cry, they blame one another, they blame God, they will not learn and they often will not come together for the welfare of the village! I tire of their constant bickering! They are a lifetime burden. Life itself continues to add to my challenges with endless demands on my mind, strength and spirit. Yet look at me; in spite of my burdens, I continue to serve, continue to lead in the face of this town’s certain destruction. The town will die when I do! Yet I grow weary of these burdens!”
“Yes!” said Sojin, “I see your burdens in your eyes, your shoulders and your demeanor. The weight of your office weighs heavily upon you. I fear that a resolution will require a work of great sacrifice, a task of deep significance, a laborious work of dedication — a crowning and difficult commitment to be carried through to its ultimate and final conclusion.”
“I offer nothing save this great (yet simple) task: Take up your brush, ink stone and rice paper. Retire to your home to write, to paint, to draw a record of every image, every story. Empty the recesses of your mind of the upset, anger, and frustration involved in ruling this village — and leave a gift for the leader who takes charge when you retire! Then take each individual page, fold it carefully — as the gift it will become. Then place each folded lesson in a gift box. Then carefully wrap each box as the gift it is. I bid you begin!” Solemnly, the Headman bowed his head and retired to his home.
Six weeks later, the Headman emerged from his home. Taller, clear eyed and partially refreshed; emptied. He found Sojin in the square and enquired about the final step: “Master, what do I do with these items?”
Sojin instructed: “Take the gifts to the bonfire. One at a time, place each in the fire and watch carefully as it is consumed. As every gift feeds the fire, allow the image of upset in your mind to vanish in the Fire of Forgiveness!”
The Headman, catching the secret power of the task, found himself smiling. As he placed his gifts, one by one onto the bier, he was healed: taller, straighter, more powerful and more erect. He now called the townspeople together to the Fire Circle and after his explanation, they joined in and one by one they “gave their gifts to the fire.” The town elders noticed that the Headman was healed, standing tall, hugging the children, clasping the hands of old friends. Fully himself, he was once again at the center of the town’s life… He said, “I did not know that with each “treasured upset,” every judgmental moment; I was locking a part of my soul in a box of my own making. Thank you Master, for revealing my error and healing my body and soul!”
“He who forgives is healed!” said Sojin over his shoulder, as he began his walk back to Edo.
Applications:
1. Personally:
Something in the back of your mind? An upset undisclosed, and still sharp in the wee hours? Someone unforgiven? A transgression unresolved? Those things take up more and more space in the caverns of one’s consciousness. Empty out and forgive! Give a gift to the fire and heal.
2. At Home:
All the great traditions remark that holding something in your mind — “treasured upsets and outrages” — especially those wounds of family life, can only serve to continue the pain of the past and bring it forward. Time can heal all wounds, but only if the pictures and stories of old outrage can be released through forgiveness. Don’t make yourself sick, and don’t allow your children to “gather upset.” Teach them the power of forgiveness.
3. At Work:
Wow. What a hotbed of conflicting interests, constant performance demands and the endless demands for above and beyond dedication to the interests of the clients, the firm and management! Oh, and a place where upset, frustration and sacrifice comprise the daily diet. It’s a fair bet there are a few live, but unforgiven people walking around in your space. Consider having a private bonfire and letting your upsets go. Start the next year fresh!
The “Fire of Forgiveness” can clear away the detritus of the years, the accumulated emotional upset, grief and frustration that goes with life — but doesn’t have to comprise it. Consider “giving your gifts to the fire” this year and healing your self, your family, your work and your life.
Forgive and be healed! And make it a lifetime habit.
We wish you and yours a safe and happy holiday.
See you next year.
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