Re: Kshama
Namaste!
Kṣamā is essential to the practice of karma-phala-vairāgya (renunciation of the fruits of action), the heart of Karma-yoga as taught in the Bhagavad Gītā. We need to be able to bear it when things do not go our way in order to be able to "let go" of the results of our many efforts. It's also important to note that this is not simply a passive attitude toward life, as if nothing matters. Rather, it is the wisdom to realize that we cannot control everything. There is only one Controller, whose purposes are not always evident to us. We should make the best effort we can, but put the ego aside when things do not go as we envision. Kṣamā helps us to cultivate this state.
At least that is how I see it. There are many other dimensions of this marvelous virtue, as others have already said. It also helps to smooth our human relations, when we are willing to let go of our pride in order to accept patiently when others do not seem to understand or appreciate us. Again, this does not mean that we do not keep trying, but that we do not become so vain as to think that the universe must order itself to align with our whims.
"One who makes a habit of prayer and meditation will easily overcome all difficulties and remain calm and unruffled in the midst of the trials of life." (Holy Mother Sarada Devi)
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