Understanding = Forgiveness

There was a Zen master who always answered “Very  well, very well” - whenever he was either falsely accused or asked for forgiveness. Even if their action was hurtful, you, too, can do it, by understanding the reason why someone behaved the way they did. You can acknowledge their right to be who they are and to act according to their own convictions. At the same time, you also acknowledge the feeling of hurt that such action caused you. You suffer, you don’t deny or try to hide pain, but you are also able to see the wider picture. Say, “You hurt me and I accept to feel the pain, but I forgive you because I know that you acted according to your own view of the situation. I cannot blame you for being who you are, I can only try to understand.” With understanding, forgiveness is born.