Kathy, a girl, became physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually ill by justifying her hatred towards her father. Her father reportedly abandoned the family - Kathy, her mother & six other children. While at home, he physically abused everyone and they were all terrified of him. None of them knew when he would lose his temper and turn violent.
Kathy was affected by chronic state of anger which caused lots of imbalances in her own life more than anyone else's. She would lash out at those nearby with only the slightest provocation like her father. Her actions cost Kathy heavily, ending up with strained, unhappy relationships and changing job after job.
Hatred and bitterness percolated to her physical levels and she suffered from headaches, stomach problems and eventually developed arthritis. By her twenty-fifth birthday Kathy looked middle aged. She would re-live the miseries of her past each day and cry out that 'he was a terrible person'.
She knew she would be better off if only she could learn to forgive her father, but she just couldn't do it, nor did she wanted anyone else to forgive him.
Kathy started the process of forgiveness. Lead by her inner guidance and persistent effort, tried to soften her emotions and change her thought patterns. Slowly she came to understand how her father could have acted so violently, she began to feel pity for him, then compassion and then love.
A person can move forward with a renewed sense of peace when there is no longer the burden of withheld forgiveness. When Kathy learned to forgive her father, she began to forgive and love herself. Her life transformed into a better one and her physical problems cleared up.
Srila Prabhupada's Quote
In this age no one is able to remain aloof from the general human society.
Therefore one need not go into the forest in a secluded place to try to make spiritual advancement.
Much better idea is that one associate with devotees in the Krishna Consciousness Centres;
this will bring better spiritual results than living in the forest.
Krishna Consciousness is possible when one is in association of devotees.
- Letter to: Kulashekara, Los Angeles, January 21, 1969
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