Power.
Skill.
Purpose.
Reason.
Justice.
Peace.
Hate.
Betrayal.
Vengeance.
Love.
Every person has a story.
Every person has a choice.
In Rurouni Kenshin: Kyoto Inferno, Shishio was brutally struck down and set on fire by his comrades. He did not die.
Aoshi tried to save his men but none of them survived. He swore to make the name of their group the greatest.
Kenshin was once an assassin but he had a change of heart. He vowed never to kill again.
Three men, each with a different story. One started from bad to evil, another from good to bad and another from taking lives to protecting them.
In life you go through different experiences that somehow shape you. When someone experiences betrayal, it causes pain because, “The saddest thing about betrayal is that it never comes from your enemies.” But the story doesn’t end there. You have a choice. You always had, always do, always will have a choice.
When you choose to forgive and move on, the burden is lifted from your shoulders. BUT if you choose to hold on to the hurt, the anger and the pain, you’ll end up like Shishio. His scars and wounds are not only on the surface, they are buried in his heart; his soul is restless and filled with angst.
Forgiveness is more than just a process. It is a decision.
Forgiving may not be easy, make that decision anyway. Take the first step to your freedom from hate, anger and hurt. You’re going to be justified, just don’t take matters into your own hand. Those who hurt you are going to face the consequences of their actions but you don’t have to be the one to see to it; let go and let God.
Shishio has been given another chance to live, yet he failed to survive. When one dwells on the past, you cease to exist. If you’re too focused on plotting revenge that would take place in the future, you miss out on the great adventure before you.
Hate when nurtured can destroy the one who holds on to it.
Choose forgiveness over revenge.
Choose freedom over bondage.
Choose life over death.
Choose love over hate.
“Calm your heart.” (Nenji Kashiwazaki to Aoshi Shinomori)
It will all come to pass. Everything will be alright in the end.
Make the right choice.
Forgive.
Let go of the past.
Move forward.
Do not be like Shishio.
Better things are waiting ahead.
Carpe diem!