Meaning: The quote "Forget like a child any injury done by somebody immediately. Never keep it in the heart. It kindles hatred." by Swami Sivananda, a revered Indian philosopher, encapsulates the profound wisdom of forgiving and letting go of grudges. Swami Sivananda was a prominent spiritual leader who emphasized the importance of compassion, forgiveness, and inner peace in one's spiritual journey.

The quote encourages individuals to adopt a childlike innocence and simplicity in dealing with the injuries caused by others. Children, in their pure and unburdened state, often have the ability to forgive and forget quickly. They do not hold onto grievances or harbor feelings of resentment in their hearts. Swami Sivananda's comparison to a child suggests that the act of immediate forgiveness and release of grievances is a natural and instinctive response that aligns with our fundamental state of being.

The admonition to "Never keep it in the heart" reinforces the idea that holding onto grievances can have detrimental effects on one's emotional and spiritual well-being. When we internalize and dwell on the injuries inflicted upon us, it can lead to the festering of negative emotions such as anger, resentment, and hatred. Swami Sivananda warns against allowing these emotions to take root in our hearts, as they can poison our inner peace and spiritual harmony.

The quote's assertion that holding onto grievances "kindles hatred" underscores the corrosive nature of harboring negative feelings towards others. By nurturing feelings of animosity and resentment, individuals risk perpetuating a cycle of negativity and conflict. Swami Sivananda's message is clear: by releasing the injuries inflicted by others and refusing to let them take root in our hearts, we can prevent the growth of hatred and promote a more harmonious and peaceful existence.

This timeless wisdom holds relevance across cultures and throughout history. It resonates with the teachings of various spiritual and philosophical traditions that emphasize the virtues of forgiveness, compassion, and inner peace. In Christianity, for example, the act of forgiveness is central to the teachings of Jesus Christ, who exhorted his followers to "forgive those who trespass against us" in the Lord's Prayer. Similarly, in Buddhism, the practice of "loving-kindness" (Metta) involves cultivating compassion and forgiveness towards oneself and others.

In contemporary psychology, the concept of forgiveness has been studied extensively for its positive impact on mental health and well-being. Research has shown that individuals who are able to forgive experience lower levels of stress, anxiety, and depression. Moreover, forgiveness has been linked to improved interpersonal relationships and greater overall life satisfaction.

In conclusion, Swami Sivananda's quote serves as a poignant reminder of the transformative power of forgiveness and the destructive nature of holding onto grievances. By adopting a childlike ability to forgive and forget, and by refusing to harbor resentment in our hearts, we can prevent the kindling of hatred and promote inner peace. This timeless wisdom continues to inspire individuals to cultivate compassion, understanding, and forgiveness in their personal and spiritual lives.