T Ram Sewak

KSHAMA SANTOSH

In Ramcharitmanas 7.117, Kakabhushundiji further prepares our minds to light the lamp of knowledge, likening the process to the transformation of boiled milk (the Ahimsa-filled mind strengthened with desirelessness) into curd as the next stage in the metaphor of ghee preparation. He states,

tosh jurhavey

"After the milk has been boiled, it should be cooled down with the air of forgiveness (Kshama) and contentment (Santosh)."

Sometimes, the process of detachment to achieve desirelessness (Nishkam) introduces nano-heat elements of anger (Krodh) and arrogance (Ahankar). These must be cooled down with forgiveness and contentment. Only forgiveness brings calmness and further fosters contentment.

Kshama is not merely the ability to forgive when insulted or harmed. It is a mental state in which one is not disturbed by the offence. One's inner strength and calmness remain intact, even in the face of injustice or provocation. It requires letting go of the 'ego of power' and not allowing it to dictate one's actions or reactions. This obliterates any traces of anger or arrogance that may have crept in.

Shri Krishna terms forgiveness as a divine attribute in Gita 16.2. The nature of forgiveness is such that one then remains content with whatever is attained, and if any obstacle arises in that attainment, one does not react with anger. In essence, forgiveness eliminates the heat of anger and other emotions that stem from attachment to desires. Perfecting this attribute is highly effective in cleansing and stabilising one's mind.

Contentment quenches the thirst of desires. It is one of the five Niyams for a sadhak and has been underscored as a key attribute for both the Gyan Marg and the Bhakti Marg. Shri Krishna interweaves it beautifully in Gita 2.55. In Shri Ramcharitmanas 6.79, Shri Ram compares Santosh to a Kirpan, suggesting its threefold capacity to slay the three enemies of attachment, desire, and anger. Contentment is an embellishment of forgiveness! / DAILY WORLD /

The author is a former electrical Engineer and resides in the Himalayas. He can be occasionally reached at ramam.namami@gmail.com