Apologizing Quote by Robert Thurman
“The Buddhists think that, because we've all had infinite previous lives, we've all been each other's relatives. Therefore all of you, in the Buddhist view, in some previous life ... have been my mother - for which I do apologize for the trouble I caused you.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Lecture on Buddhist Relativity, Robert Thurman, 1998
The quote suggests that because of countless past lives, everyone is related, so apologies are owed for past harms.
In simple terms: Everyone is a relative through past lives, so we should apologize for past hurts.
Key Takeaway
Recognize shared humanity and offer sincere apologies.
Themes
interconnectedness
responsibility
empathy
Mood
reflective
compassionate
Type
philosophical
spiritual
When to use this quote
- personal relationships
- conflict resolution
- spiritual practice
Key Concepts
reincarnation
karma
ethical humility
Questions to Reflect On
- How does seeing others as kin affect your behavior?
- Can forgiveness arise from this perspective?
A Different Perspective
Apologizing may not change past actions or be accepted.
