"Forgiveness says you are given another chance to make a new beginning." - Desmond Tutu
How Different Religions Practice Forgiveness - And What We Can Learn From Them
Growing up in India with parents following the Jain tradition, some of us have a lot of gratitude for a beautiful practice of forgiveness called "Micchami Dukaddam". While the phrase has deeper layers of meaning, its simple translation and practice means: "I ask pardon of all living beings, may all of them pardon me, may I have friendship with all beings and enmity with none"
As adults, how do we become living examples for children around us to embody the value of forgiveness in its true spirit?
Forgiveness, as described across different traditions like Judaism, Islam, and Christianity, is less an erasure of harm and more a courageous recalibration of relationships. In Judaism, the ritual of Yom Kippur and the practice of teshuvah highlight a community's commitment to reconciliation, demanding face-to-face acknowledgment of wrongs. Islam presents forgiveness through the story of the Prophet's journey to Taif, illustrating forgiveness as a transcendent act rooted in hope and strength beyond personal grievance. Christianity invites adherents to echo forgiveness in life's tapestry through prayer and parables, where it signifies deliberate grace rather than facile absolution.
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As adults, how do we become living examples for children around us to embody the value of forgiveness in its true spirit?
Forgiveness, as described across different traditions like Judaism, Islam, and Christianity, is less an erasure of harm and more a courageous recalibration of relationships. In Judaism, the ritual of Yom Kippur and the practice of teshuvah highlight a community's commitment to reconciliation, demanding face-to-face acknowledgment of wrongs. Islam presents forgiveness through the story of the Prophet's journey to Taif, illustrating forgiveness as a transcendent act rooted in hope and strength beyond personal grievance. Christianity invites adherents to echo forgiveness in life's tapestry through prayer and parables, where it signifies deliberate grace rather than facile absolution.
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Reading Corner
Title: Bashir Boutros and the Jewel of the Nile
By: George Jreije
For: Age 8+
Shy, eleven-year-old Bashir Boutros dreads going back to America after an amazing summer in Lebanon. He’s always felt invisible back home, where he doesn’t have any real friends. Then, Bashir makes a lucky discovery—a long-lost ring containing a jinn whose magical aura brings power to those who wield it.
But the ring’s untold power makes Bashir a target for monsters—including Ali Adin, the world’s most dangerous demon. When Ali Adin kidnaps Bashir’s parents, Bashir joins forces with an ancient society sworn to protect the world from supernatural beings. Together, they set off on a race to stop Ali Adin from conquering the world as Bashir attempts to harness the ring’s abilities.
Personal reflections by a Kindful Kids reader who recommended this book:
As a mom of a gentle, vegan boy, seeing a male protagonist that uses kindness as a strength was hugely inspiring. It also reminded me how rare it is to see kindness and strength paired in male characters. Bashir struggles with being true to himself (as we all do) and ultimately stays aligned with his sense of self. He finds a way to save the world, win the day, without destroying other beings. I was so moved that I emailed the author - in a world where cruelty seems to be the "accepted" modus operandi, having male kindness celebrated is more important than ever.
By: George Jreije
For: Age 8+
Shy, eleven-year-old Bashir Boutros dreads going back to America after an amazing summer in Lebanon. He’s always felt invisible back home, where he doesn’t have any real friends. Then, Bashir makes a lucky discovery—a long-lost ring containing a jinn whose magical aura brings power to those who wield it.
But the ring’s untold power makes Bashir a target for monsters—including Ali Adin, the world’s most dangerous demon. When Ali Adin kidnaps Bashir’s parents, Bashir joins forces with an ancient society sworn to protect the world from supernatural beings. Together, they set off on a race to stop Ali Adin from conquering the world as Bashir attempts to harness the ring’s abilities.
Personal reflections by a Kindful Kids reader who recommended this book:
As a mom of a gentle, vegan boy, seeing a male protagonist that uses kindness as a strength was hugely inspiring. It also reminded me how rare it is to see kindness and strength paired in male characters. Bashir struggles with being true to himself (as we all do) and ultimately stays aligned with his sense of self. He finds a way to save the world, win the day, without destroying other beings. I was so moved that I emailed the author - in a world where cruelty seems to be the "accepted" modus operandi, having male kindness celebrated is more important than ever.
Recommended by Emily John
Be the Change
Here's an invitation to practice closing your eyes and thinking of someone against whom you might be holding a grudge, no matter how small or big. Can you silently forgive this person and observe how it makes you feel?
To step up the practice, close your eyes again and think of someone who might be holding a grudge against you. Can you gather courage to ask for forgiveness for your role (however small or limited it may be) in what might have led to a strained relationship?
To step up the practice, close your eyes again and think of someone who might be holding a grudge against you. Can you gather courage to ask for forgiveness for your role (however small or limited it may be) in what might have led to a strained relationship?
