How to forgive a friend

Welcome back to the web's weakest blog. It's supposed to reflect how, for me, learning Vietnamese is a parallel project to learning the Dharma. 

Consistency continues to be my greatest challenge. Here and in all components of my spiritual life.


I have been paralyzed by my past (again), and am picking it (the old trauma) back up in a difficult relationship in the present. (Again.) Brilliant, right? 

Sorrow
Artist: Lauren Brodeur

It's OK, I suppose, as long as I learn and grow from it, not just whine. I keep going back to the same type of person and same type of relationship so that I can keep learning and eventually get this particular karma burned through.


The details aren't important, but the lesson is. There are a few reasons why I don't feel ready to let go of being pissed, namely:

• I don't feel that you are really sorry for your part in this.
• I'm not convinced that you understand how badly you hurt me.
• I am still harboring resentment for some of the other ways you have hurt me in the past.

Here’s the opportunity: Forgiveness is a gift I can give to myself.  It's a choice to release the burden of anger and pain. If I choose to forgive, I choose to live in the present instead of the past.  It does not mean I have to forget but it does mean I'm going to  release and go on.  


Forgiveness isn't going to happen on its own, I must choose to forgive. If I can let this go I can move to a happier place and then we can have a long and healthy friendship.


gây = cause 
tổn hại =harm
lặp lại= repeat

người bạn = friend

tha thứ = forgive

Tôi yêu bạn người bạn = I love you, friend