Forgiveness and Reconciliation in Buddhism

 

As Buddhists, we have an unnatural pressure placed upon us to forgive people who harm us.  This is to be expected.  After all, humans are social creatures, and they hate conflict.  

Unfortunately, the quickest way to end conflict is ask the victim of an altercation to forgive their perpetrator; immediately and without question.

But this is an unhealthy practice.  It creates an environment where various types of abuse can occur.  

That said, forgiveness is an important part of practice.  And it can...