Hinduism: Attitudes to Peace and Forgiveness

This section explains Hinduisms Attitudes to Peace and Forgiveness, focusing on Attitudes to Peace and Pacifism and Forgiveness and Reconciliation. The section also covers Mahatma Gandhi and Non-Violence and the role of the Holi festival.

Peace and Pacifism in Hinduism

In Hinduism, peace is viewed as the absence of conflict and violence, representing harmony within oneself and with the world. It is the opposite of war and is highly valued, with many Hindus believing that the pursuit of peace leads to happiness and societal harmony.

Central to this belief is the principle of Ahimsa (non-violence), which teaches that all living beings are sacred and deserve respect. This non-violent approach is seen as the path to good karma (moral actions) and spiritual growth, fostering a world where individuals and societies can thrive in peaceful coexistence. Hindus view peace as a natural state that can only be achieved by treating all life with kindness and compassion, as expressed in the Rig Veda:

"Come together, talk together. Let our minds be in harmony. Common be our prayer. Common be our end. Common be our purpose. Common be our deliberations. Common be our desires. United be our hearts. United be our intentions. Perfect be the union among us." (Rig Veda 10.191:2)

This verse reflects the idea that unity and mutual respect lead to peace, not just between individuals, but among communities and nations. Achieving inner peace is also crucial, and many Hindus strive to be non-violent in all areas of their lives, as they believe that every human being contains a spark of Brahman, the divine essence. Therefore, it is considered wrong to harm or be violent towards anyone.

Mahatma Gandhi and Non-Violence

One of the most significant examples of Hindu commitment to peace is the life of Mahatma Gandhi, a Hindu leader who spearheaded India’s independence movement through peaceful means. Gandhi firmly believed that non-violence (Ahimsa) was the most powerful force for social and political change, and that true resistance could be achieved through peaceful protest rather than violence.

He coined the term Satyagraha, which means "truth force" or "soul force," and he encouraged people to resist oppression without resorting to violence. Gandhi famously stated:

"Non-violence is more powerful than all the armaments in the world. Non-violence is not passivity in any shape or form. It is the most active form in the world. In non-violence the masses have a weapon which enables a child, a woman, or even a decrepit old man to resist the mightiest government successfully."

One of the most famous events led by Gandhi was the Salt March in 1930. In protest against the British colonial government’s salt tax, which disproportionately affected the poor, Gandhi and a group of followers marched 240 miles from the Sabarmati Ashram to the coastal village of Dandi. Along the way, thousands of people joined the march, and upon reaching Dandi, they defied the salt tax by collecting salt from the sea.

This peaceful act of defiance was met with mass arrests, including Gandhi’s own, but it drew international attention to India’s struggle for independence. The British government eventually invited Gandhi to London for talks, recognising the need for change. The Salt March remains a powerful example of how non-violence can challenge injustice effectively.

Forgiveness in Hinduism

Forgiveness is an essential teaching in Hinduism. It is seen as a way to heal wounds and restore peace, both within the individual and within society. The importance of forgiveness is highlighted in the Mahabharata, where it is described as the highest form of peace:

"Forgiveness is the one supreme peace." (Mahabharata 5:33)

Hinduism teaches that both the person who has been wronged and the one who has committed the wrong must find peace with the situation. Forgiveness is not just a moral act but also a means of spiritual growth and harmony. The story of Rama and Sita from the Ramayana is a key example of forgiveness. Despite the immense suffering she endures, Sita forgives those who have wronged her, teaching Hindus the power of forgiveness even in the face of great injustice.

Forgiveness in Hinduism is also seen as a divine quality. The goddess Lakshmi is known for forgiving even when the wrongdoer has not shown remorse, while the god Vishnu forgives when the wrongdoer asks for forgiveness. However, Lakshmi's forgiveness is regarded as more honourable, and many Hindus aspire to forgive others, even when forgiveness is not sought.

One passage from the Mahabharata emphasises the role of forgiveness in maintaining cosmic order:

"By forgiveness is it that the whole universe is held together." (Mahabharata 3)

This reflects the idea that forgiveness is not just a personal virtue but a cosmic necessity, ensuring the peace and harmony of the universe.

Reconciliation: Beyond Forgiveness

While forgiveness is vital, reconciliation in Hinduism goes a step further. It is not enough to simply forgive someone; true peace comes from rebuilding relationships after conflict. Reconciliation involves not only apologising but actively working to restore harmony and strengthen bonds between individuals or groups.

In the Hindu worldview, reconciliation can occur not only between people but also within oneself. Self-forgiveness and self-realisation are important parts of the spiritual journey. Hindus believe that in order to reconcile with others, one must first reconcile with their own true self, which can be achieved through inner peace and spiritual understanding.

The process of reconciliation is vital in healing the wounds caused by conflict. Once forgiveness is granted, Hindus believe that both parties must work together to restore peace, ensuring that the cycle of anger and resentment does not continue.

The Festival of Holi and the Role of Forgiveness

Holi, the vibrant festival of colours celebrated by Hindus, also highlights the importance of forgiveness and reconciliation. During Holi, people often seek to resolve any conflicts or misunderstandings with friends, family, or neighbours. It is a time for people to let go of past grievances, forgive one another, and move forward in a spirit of joy and unity.

The festival encourages the idea that forgiveness should not only be a private act but a communal one, bringing together individuals and communities in peace and harmony. It reminds Hindus that reconciliation is essential for maintaining social and spiritual balance, ensuring that the bonds of love and friendship remain strong.

Conclusion

Hinduism places a profound emphasis on peace, forgiveness, and reconciliation. The teachings of Ahimsa encourage Hindus to pursue non-violence and to seek peaceful solutions in all aspects of life. The example of Mahatma Gandhi’s non-violent resistance to British rule shows the practical application of these ideals in challenging injustice.

Forgiveness is seen as a divine quality, necessary for both personal peace and the harmony of the universe. Reconciliation goes beyond forgiveness, aiming to heal relationships and restore harmony in society. Ultimately, Hinduism teaches that true peace can only be achieved when individuals, communities, and nations come together in mutual respect, understanding, and love.