Kshama (Sanskrit:क्षमा,romanized: kṣamā) is aSanskrit word that is used in Hinduism to indicate forgiveness.[1] Kshama symbolizes forgiveness and forbearance.[2]
Kshama refers to forgiving others for the misdeeds they performed upon oneself, which is why it is related to qualities such as forbearance and compassion.[1] The concept of kshama forms one of the ten traditionalyamas (i.e., restraints) that are codified in numerous Vedic scriptures such as theManusmriti and theVasishtha Samhita.[3] Since Hinduism is a theistic religion, kshama is practiced also to attain the grace of God.[4]
Scriptures like the Mahabharata explain that bearing anger leads to one's own destruction, or spiritual decline.[5]
Kshama is often associated with other qualities such as duty, righteousness, forbearance, compassion, freedom from anger, and patience.[1][6] These qualities are explained in Hindu scriptures such as thedharma sastras and theShrimad Bhagavad Gita. Living with such qualities leads to positive karma, which bears fruit in this life or in future lives.[1]
Kshama is a component of sreyas, which refers to spiritual progress for both the individual and the community. In the context of sreyas, kshama benefits one's own life, but it also benefits the overall community one lives in.[6]
Hinduism promotesahimsa (i.e., non-violence). The religion explains that if resentment persists, the intention to harm others out of retribution will also remain. For this reason, kshama is necessary and supports the practice of ahimsa.[6]
The concept of karma, understood as a power of God in Hinduism, explains that those who do bad upon us are simply instruments bringing forth the fruits of karmas priorly performed. One must accept what is brought forth upon them without assigning blame, developing enemies or striving for retribution. Karma also explains that the doer of bad will also experience the fruits of their karmas in the future, without the need for one's own involvement.[6]
Kshama is discussed in several Hindu texts, a number of these references are provided below:
Contentment, forgiveness, self-control, abstention from unrighteously appropriating anything, [obedience to the rules of] purification, coercion of the organs, wisdom, knowledge [of the surpreme Soul], truthfulness and abstention from anger, [these form] the tenfold law (Manu 6:92).[5]
In Him reside (1) truthfulness, (2) cleanliness, (3) intolerance of another's unhappiness, (4) the power to control anger, (5) self-satisfaction, (6) straightforwardness, (7) steadiness of mind, (8) control of the sense organs, (9) responsibility, (10) equality, (11) tolerance, (12) equanimity, (13) faithfulness, (14) knowledge, (15) absence of sense enjoyment, (16) leadership, (17) chivalry, (18) influence, (19) the power to make everything possible, (20) the discharge of proper duty, (21) complete independence, (22) dexterity, (23) fullness of all beauty, (24) serenity, (25) kindheartedness, (26) ingenuity, (27) gentility, (28) magnanimity, (29) determination, (30) perfection in all knowledge, (31) proper execution, (32) possession of all objects of enjoyment, (33) joyfulness, (34) immovability, (35) fidelity, (36) fame, (37) worship, (38) pridelessness, (39) being (as the Personality of Godhead), (40) eternity, and many other transcendental qualities which are eternally present and never to be separated from Him.[7]
Forgiveness is virtue; forgiveness is sacrifice; forgiveness is theVedas; forgiveness is theShruti. Forgiveness protecteth the ascetic merit of the future; forgiveness is asceticism; forgiveness is holiness; and by forgiveness is it that the universe is held together (Vana Parva, Section 29).[6]
Many historic figures in Hinduism have exemplified kshama, a few such exemplars mentioned here:
InJainism, kshama also relates to forgiveness and is a method to cleansing one'satman (i.e., soul). It is one of the ten spiritual attributes recognized in the religion. Kshama leads to spiritual progress and ultimately, enlightenment. Kshama is inherently an aspect of ahimsa (i.e., non-violence), a key value in Jainism. Every year, Jains celebrate a festival known asKshamavani Divas, which is a day to ask for forgiveness.[4]
InBuddhism, kshama is defined as forgiveness and forbearance. Kshama encompasses the concepts of the removal of the desire for retribution and the removal of anger.Buddha had mentioned, "all this is suffering," signifying the concept of pain to be just. Kshama is an acceptance of a just world where one accepts the experience of worldly pain and goes beyond the inner feelings of retribution and anger which amplify pain and detract from enlightenment. Perfection in kshama is a quality of the Buddhas and is a goal for Buddhists to achieve.[1]
Jainism and Buddhism are not theistic religions and therefore, kshama is practiced solely for the purpose of self-improvement.[4]