Forgiveness and Redemption in Buddhism

Just one (very good) example of how forgiveness and redemption works in Buddhism. Thanks to Brit Hume for giving Buddhism a center stage opportunity to shine in these two regards.

From the Angulimala Sutta (Trans. Bodhi):

Let my enemies hear discourse on the Dhamma,
Let them be devoted to the Buddha's teaching,
Let my enemies wait on those good people
Who lead others to accept the Dhamma.

[105] Let my enemies give ear from time to time
And hear the Dhamma of those who preach forbearance,
Of those who speak as well in praise of kindness,
And let them follow up that Dhamma with kind deeds.

For surely then they would not wish to harm me,
Nor would they think of harming other beings,
So those who would protect all, frail or strong,
Let them attain the all-surpassing peace.

Category:

People & Blogs

Tags:

• freedom
• redemption
• salvation
• buddhism
• tiger
• woods
• karma

[TheApatheticGuy]

Even with the blood of 108 innocent people on his hands, Anguilimala went on to attain aharantship.

It's really quite inspiring how powerful forgiveness can be.

[yuttadhammo]

@TheApatheticGuy 999 people, so they say :)

[TheApatheticGuy]

@yuttadhammo

Is that what it says in the suttas? Ah well..I guess the purpose behind the message is more important than exact figures anyways.

[yuttadhammo]

@TheApatheticGuy the suttas don't say, that's what's in the commentaries, though. It may just mean "a lot of people".

[HappyBuddha100]

what language is it?

[yuttadhammo]

Thai.

[patrickz218]

This so sad

[TheApatheticGuy]

@takumaisakuma1

Yes, Anquilimala is the serial-killer turned monk (and then arahant). The people aren't arahants, but it goes to show that there's nothing that can't be forgiven if you live virtuously.

[takumaisakuma1]

@TheApatheticGuy Anguilimala is the monk right? So the people that did the forgiving are the families of the people he killed? They sound like arahants.

[echosaisis]

sounds thai ... was kind of hard to understand/follow the story though

[MrPhon1984]

@HappyBuddha100 thai movie

[yuttadhammo]

@Superetard12 It's taking the three refuges:

watch?v=3T-7Ug7x2uE

[Opetlao]

@penduliflory

What's the question I will try to answer it.

[impermanentoo]

This is our Buddhist way of asking for forgiveness,

"By thoughts, words or deeds,

If I have committed any wrong heedlessly,

May the Buddha, Dhamma and Sangha forgive me"

From there we move on to keep the 5 precepts,

1) Refrain from Killing Living Beings

2) Refrain from Stealing (Taking things without permission)

3) Refrain from Sexual Misconduct

4) Refrain from Lying (Gossip, Harsh Speech and Idle Chat)

5) Refrain from Intoxicated Drinks and Drugs