Claiming Justice Where Forgiveness Was Due

The locals had long been accustomed to seeing this man, now in fifties – a vagabond Masthana, blissful, light-hearted, and deeply absorbed in spirituality since his teens.

One day, in his wandering, he unknowingly crossed into another kingdom. Suspected of being a spy, he was brought to the king. Questioned about trespassing, he replied, “the Lord has set no boundaries for the sun, the moon, the sky, or the waters – who are you to draw them?”. His vague yet piercing response angered the king, who sentenced him to death.

The next day, as he was hanged, Masthana kept asking the Divine for justice. In the Divine presence, he questioned, “I devoted my life to you- why such a cruel end? I seek Justice. The Divine responded “Justice is what you asked for, and justice is what you received.

“But what wrong have I done asked Masthana? Many wrongs were softened by your good deeds. Yet one remained. As a child, you harmed a butterfly and injured it gravely. The balance of justice required this outcome.”

Masthana protested. “That was child’s act- surely insignificant.” No karma goes unnoticed. You are fortunate to recall this life’s account. Many settle debts across lifetimes, unaware of their origin. Each time, you asked for justice – when you could have asked for forgiveness.

Captivated, a group of final-year students listened as a spiritual master explained the law of karma.  

Each individual is responsible for their actions. One reaps what one sows. Karma is not punishment – it is the natural law of Hukum. What we do, day and night, shapes our destiny.

Yet beyond this law lies grace. 

The master stated Gurbani reminds us the power of Shamma (forgiveness), Shukrana (gratitude), Nadar (grace), and Naam available for all. While karma is exacting, Grace can transform its weight. But like Masthana we do not relate and seek its benefits. We often question outcomes, demanding justice instead of seeking forgiveness and Divine compassion.

Scripture guides us gently: “The word of the Guru’s Shabad eradicates the karma of millions of past actions. (SGGS Ang 1195). "By the karma of past actions, the robe of this physical body is obtained. But by His Grace, the Gate of Liberation is found." (Japji Sahib).

Karma may be understood simply:

Sanchit Karma – accumulated past

Prarabdha Karma – what unfolds in this life.

Kriyamana Karma – what we create now.

Nishkama Karma – action without attachment.

He then quoted hymn of Kabeerji mentioned in Gurbani Ang 1104 “Ab kee baar bakhas bandhe ko bahur n bhoujal fera…" O lord please forgive your slave now, in this life so that he may not have to return to this terrifying world-ocean."

While we carry the past, we are not powerless. The consequences of deeds are inevitable but through present awareness, right action, and seeking Grace destiny can be reshaped.

Kal kare so aj, aj kare so abhi.  Close your eyes. Seek forgiveness – for all that was done knowingly or unknowingly. Ask for Nadar at all times. Make this moment - but a way of living. 

There was absolute silence for some time and many had their eyes closed. Breaking the silence wishing them the best for their future endeavors, the spiritual master’s last words were….

We ask for justice with the mind, but it is Forgiveness, that the soul has been waiting for.