Do you dwell in guilt and suffer in it? In this latest post, we share an absolutely insightful commentary by Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, founder of The International Association For Human Values, a revered global spiritual Master and a celebrated voice for peace and diversity. The commentary unlocks the delicate skill of dropping our guilt.
“1. Guilt has a purpose. It (guilt) does not allow you to get into a cycle of actions that are not good for you and for others. When such an action happens, the guilt in you acts like a brake for you not to continue the same act. However, guilt is good in the right amount and only for that period of that time. If it goes beyond a limit then it eats you up like termites in the cupboard. So, you need ‘skill’ to get out of guilt, but at the same time, not totally remove it from the system-until you realize that you are not the doer but the total light, the wisdom, the self. Until that blossoming, a little bit of guilt serves you. It protects you from wrong-doing that you might engage in.
2. To bring about that balance we have spiritual practices, surrendering to the divine, and faith in the higher power and self.Your very wish to repent has solved the purpose. This wish is an indication that your intellect is getting matured. Otherwise, you would not have been aware of your wrong actions. You are innocent in the present moment.
3. That person who did a mistake has packed off his suitcase and gone. Now inside you is a new person. Start believing in the innocence of the present moment where the YOU in you is innocent.In one of the most authoritative texts on the oriental philosophy,Krishna tells Arjuna, one of his closest disciples, “I will relieve you from your sins. You just surrender. Then it’s my responsibility to take care of your sins. Don’t worry. Drop all that you are holding onto – even your dharma.” Instead, people try to get rid of their sins. The Divine will relieve you of your sins. All that you need to do is to let go of everything you are holding on to.”
About The Author
Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar is an international humanitarian leader and a spiritual master who is the global rallying voice of this generation’s collective call for peace.
Named one of the “Seven Most Powerful People in India,” by Forbes, his world-renowned meditation techniques helped end the 60-year conflict in Colombia. He has been credited with bringing opposing parties together to facilitate meditation and peace talks in Iraq, Cote d’Ivoire and India.
Founder of the Art of Living Foundation and International Association for Human Values, Sri Sri is leading the way toward peace and tolerance through meditation and humanitarian efforts. Over 35 years, his programs and initiatives have touched the lives of over 370 million people in over 150 countries.
“Sudarshan Kriya,” the meditation technique introduced by Sri Sri is backed by research and implemented in schools, corporations, prisons, refugee camps and retreat centers around the world. As a spiritual teacher, Sri Sri has rekindled traditions of yoga and meditation that have helped millions of people achieve personal and social transformation by relieving stress and discovering inner peace in daily life.
