The
2011 Malayalam film Adaminte Makan Abu (Abu, Son of Adam)
is the story of a poor perfume seller
and his wife who yearn to go on a pilgrimage to Haj. After raising the money, the couple begins preparations
which include attending preparation classes conducted by the travel agency,
being vaccinated and buying new clothes. Abu pays off even the smallest of
his old debts as part of the preparations and travels miles to seek forgiveness
from Sulaiman, a previous neighbour with whom he once had differences.
It was interesting
to learn about the Islamic ritual of begging forgiveness from everyone. Jains observe
a forgiveness day when they request forgiveness from each other for offences
committed. The ancient Prakrit phrase, ‘Michchhāmi Dukkadam’ (may
all the evil that has been done be fruitless) is used when a person makes a
mistake, or recollects making one in everyday life, or when asking for
forgiveness in advance for inadvertent ones.
In Latin, we find the word ‘Mea culpa’ (through my fault). It comes from a prayer of confession in the Catholic Church. Said by itself, it's an exclamation of apology or remorse that is used to mean ‘It was my fault’ or ‘I apologize.’ Mea culpa is one of many English terms that derive from the Latin ‘culpa’ meaning guilt. By owning up to the guilt, one is liberated of the burden of denial.
However, taking
ownership of ‘mea culpa’ should not be an occasional emotion! We need to take
stock regularly at the slights or the hurts we cause to others. As often as
possible, we must own up to our errors. If we procrastinate, we may delude
ourselves with justifications. When we unite our consciousness with the choice
to own up and ask for forgiveness; we positively impact the demolition of the
burden of guilt.
When ‘mea
culpa’ is connected with forgiving
the ‘unite to impact’ results in
guilt-less living!
- Pravin K. Sabnis
Goa, India.
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