Quotes of Shree Krishna on Forgiveness and Compassion
Forgiveness isn’t weakness. It is the crown jewel of spirituality. Shree Krishna, in the Bhagavad Gita and through His divine leelas, shows us how essential forgiveness and compassion are to live a peaceful, God-centered life. Whether it’s forgiving someone who has hurt you or releasing resentment to grow spiritually, Krishna’s wisdom helps us rise above ego and live with love.
Here are timeless quotes of Shree Krishna on forgiveness, drawn from the Bhagavad Gita and explained beautifully by Swami Mukundananda.
1. “Adveṣṭā sarva-bhūtānāṁ…” – The Nature of a True Devotee
Sanskrit:
अद्वेष्टा सर्वभूतानां मैत्रः करुण एव च |
निर्ममो निरहङ्कारः समदुःखसुखः क्षमी ||
Verse: Bhagavad Gita 12.13
Meaning: “One who is free from malice toward others, who is friendly and compassionate, free from possessiveness and ego, balanced in joy and sorrow, and forgiving—such a devotee is dear to Me.”
✨ Swamiji’s Insight:
Shree Krishna describes the qualities of His most beloved devotee. Among them, kṣamī—the one who forgives—is highlighted as essential. Forgiveness is not just a moral choice; it’s a divine requirement on the path of devotion. When the heart is burdened by hatred or anger, it cannot contain divine love. Krishna’s devotee must learn to release the poison of resentment and make space for compassion. Letting go is not giving in—it’s rising above.
🗣️ “Until you learn how to forgive, you haven’t truly entered the spiritual path.” – Swami Mukundananda
2. Forgiveness is a Favor to Yourself
“To harbor resentment is like drinking poison and hoping the other person dies.” – Swami Mukundananda
Swamiji explains: We often think that holding onto pain punishes the wrongdoer. But as Swamiji explains, it’s our own peace, health, and spiritual progress that suffer. Forgiveness is not about excusing wrong actions—it’s about refusing to let someone else’s mistake control your emotions. Shree Krishna wants us to live in the present moment, not dwell on the wounds of the past. As we forgive, we begin to detoxify the mind and move toward spiritual clarity.
When resentment clouds our inner world, divine wisdom cannot enter. Forgiveness clears the path.
3. “Samo’haṁ sarva-bhūteṣhu…” – Krishna Loves All Equally
Sanskrit:
समोऽहं सर्वभूतेषु न मे द्वेष्योऽस्ति न प्रियः |
ये भजन्ति तु मां भक्त्या मयि ते तेषु चाप्यहम् ||
Verse: Bhagavad Gita 9.29
Meaning: “I am impartial to all beings. But those who worship Me with devotion are in Me, and I am in them.”
Shree Krishna sets the gold standard: He holds no grudges, no preferences, no hatred. His heart is an ocean of compassion, accepting all who turn to Him, even the most sinful. This verse calls us to adopt a similar attitude. As devotees, we’re meant to mirror Krishna’s divine qualities—loving unconditionally, forgiving freely. When we cling to judgments, we distance ourselves from God-consciousness. But when we practice equanimity, we walk closer with Krishna in every breath.
4. Understand the Material World to Forgive
“We live among spiritually sick souls. Expecting them not to hurt us is like walking into a hospital and expecting no illness.” – Swami Mukundananda
Swamiji beautifully illustrates that we are all spiritually unwell—imperfect souls in a material world. So it is natural that people will hurt each other out of ignorance and selfishness. Shree Krishna teaches that detachment and understanding the material realm are essential for inner peace.
Sanskrit:
यं हि न व्यथयन्त्येते पुरुषं पुरुषर्षभ |
समदुःखसुखं धीरं सोऽमृतत्वाय कल्पते ||
Verse: Bhagavad Gita 2.15
Meaning: “That person who is not disturbed by happiness and distress… is fit for liberation.”
5. Forgive like Radha, who loved Krishna unconditionally
Swamiji beautifully says:
“Divine love means eternal forgiveness.”
Radha constantly forgave Krishna. Her divine love wasn’t about fulfillment, but about self-sacrifice and surrender. Similarly, our love for God must be expressed through forgiveness—again and again.
The love between Radha and Krishna is the highest example of divine devotion. Radha was often misunderstood, and Krishna's playful nature tested her again and again. Yet she continued to love Him—not because He was always right, but because her love was beyond ego. That is divine love: forgiving endlessly, holding no resentment.
Radha’s heart was like a mirror of Krishna’s own compassion, showing us that real love is about surrender and sacrifice, not possession or expectation. Just like Radha, if we can forgive deeply and love unconditionally, we can touch the divine within ourselves.
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📚 FAQs – Quotes of Shri Krishna on Forgiveness
❓ What does Shri Krishna say about forgiveness?
Krishna emphasizes that forgiveness is a divine quality. A forgiving heart is a sign of spiritual maturity. See Bhagavad Gita 12.13.
❓ How can I forgive someone who deeply hurt me?
Start by remembering it's for your own peace. Understand the spiritual truth—others act from ignorance. Forgiveness is a gift to your mind and soul.
❓ Is forgiveness weakness?
No. Shri Krishna and Swamiji both stress that forgiveness is spiritual strength, essential for liberation.
❓ Are there Krishna stories that highlight forgiveness?
Yes. Krishna’s entire life is filled with compassion—from forgiving Shishupala’s offenses to blessing those who betrayed Him.
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📝 Summary: Let Go, Rise Up
“Even in your dreams, don’t allow resentment to enter your heart.” - Shree Kripaluji Maharaj
Shree Krishna teaches us that forgiveness is not optional for a true seeker—it is the very path to Him. By releasing anger and hurt, we clear space in our hearts for divine love.
📚 References & Citations
- Bhagavad Gita – https://www.holy-bhagavad-gita.org/
- Swami Mukundananda YouTube Transcript – Watch Here
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