Let us live happily then, not hating those who hate us! among men who hate us let us dwell free from hatred!
A shared theme
Forgiveness
To forgive, and to seek forgiveness, is treated everywhere as a strength rather than a weakness. The traditions differ on the mechanics — repentance, restitution, grace — but agree that a heart that cannot release a wrong cannot be free.
Buddhism
4 versesChristianity
8 versesThe sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.
Confucianism
6 versesThe Master said, "To have faults and not to reform them,—this, indeed, should be pronounced having faults."
Hinduism
1 verseThat devotee of mine, who hates no being, who is friendly and compassionate, who is free from egoism, and from (the idea that this or that is) mine, to whom happiness and misery are alike, who is forgiving, contented, constantly devoted, self-restrained, and firm in his determinations, and whose mind and understanding are devoted to me, he is dear to me.
Islam
8 versesHold to forgiveness; command what is right; But turn away from the ignorant.
Jainism
3 versesBy begging forgiveness he obtains happiness of mind; thereby he acquires a kind disposition towards all kinds of living beings; by this kind disposition he obtains purity of character and freedom from fear.
Judaism
4 versesHe that covereth his transgressions shall not prosper; But whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall obtain mercy.
Sikhism
5 versesOne who is not affected by pleasure or pain, who looks upon friend and enemy alike - says Nanak, listen, mind: know that such a person is liberated.
Sufism
4 versesThou hast come to draw men to union with me, / Not to drive them far away from me. / So far as possible, engage not in dissevering; / 'The thing most repugnant to me is divorce.' …
Taoism
1 verseTao has of all things the most honoured place. No treasures give good men so rich a grace; Bad men it guards, and doth their ill efface. … Why was it that the ancients prized this Tao so much? Was it not because it could be got by seeking for it, and the guilty could escape (from the stain of their guilt) by it? This is the reason why all under heaven consider it the most valuable thing.
Where the traditions differ
Judaism and Islam emphasise that forgiveness from God for wrongs against people requires first making things right with the person wronged (teshuvah; tawbah with restitution). Some Christian readings stress unconditional forgiveness of others as a precondition for being forgiven (Matthew 6:14–15). Buddhism and Jainism frame forgiveness less as a transaction and more as the release of ill-will that harms the one who holds it; Jains have an annual day, Samvatsari, devoted to asking forgiveness of all beings. Sikhism pairs forgiveness closely with humility.