Forgiveness is the most important skill you need to live a happy life.

Some may disagree and say it is compassion, or love, or some other sacred emotion. And they would be able to make a good case, and there would be alot of benefit merely in engaging the debate.

But, to me, it is forgiveness that is the most important one.

And, it is simply a matter of context and language. I believe that in our western context and the time which we are living, it is the language of forgiveness that is the most beneficial for helping us live a happy life.

The trick and the simplicity of happiness is that it is actually inherent within us. Our natural state is one of contented happiness. That is the core of every human being.

And, when we are not experiencing life in that way, it is a distortion. Like a cloud covering the sun. Or in some people’s case concrete.

So, what we actually need to learn is how to remain in our natural state. How, not to get carried away by our thoughts and emotions, and also how to come back to our natural state when we have.

And, the great thing is that we do not have to have a strong experience of primordial contentment before we can begin. Because, every time we let go of an emotion that has carried us along, the stronger becomes the cause for the natural state to remain, and the weaker the cause for the emotion to take us away.

And, here is the magic and power and essential aspect of forgiveness.

If we are expert in the art of forgiveness we will be able to skillfully let go of any situation, any hurt or happiness (in the pleasure sense like excitement, for example) that has carried us along, when we become aware that it has happened.

I am not saying not to have any emotion. Not to have strong feelings (sighs of reliefs from the artists). That would not be a natural way.

I am just saying, to follow a natural way more clearly, do not let yourself be carrying along by the emotion/feeling. Enjoy it, or be patient with it (in the case of grief or depression, say), but do it with an open hand. Just do not try and keep it going, or force it to end.

Forgiveness keeps the mental hand open, and flexible.