To forgive is righteous but to forget would be impractical.

To forgive is righteous but to forget would be impractical. In the Christian model I would say yes, turn the other cheek, but don't forget the slap so when it comes around again you can at least duck and avoid the sting of pain.

Forgiveness is the mental, emotional and spiritual process of ceasing to feel resentment, indignation or anger against another person for an offence, or ceasing to demand punishment or restitution. In some contexts forgiveness may be granted without any expectation of compensation, and without any response on the part of the offender. For example, one may forgive a person who is dead. In practical terms, it may be necessary for the offender to offer some form of acknowledgement or apology, or even just ask for forgiveness, in order for the wronged person to believe they are able to forgive.

Most world religions include teachings on the nature of forgiveness, and many of these teachings provide an underlying basis for many varying modern day traditions and practices of forgiveness. However, throughout the ages, philosophers have studied forgiveness apart from religion. In addition, as in other areas of human inquiry, science is beginning to question religious concepts of forgiveness. Psychology, sociology and medicine are among the scientific disciplines researching forgiveness.

Instances of teachings on forgiveness such as Mahatma Gandhi's forgiveness of his assassin as he lay dying, are well known examples of these teachings. Some religious doctrines or philosophies place greater emphasis on the need for humans to find some sort of divine forgiveness for their own shortcomings, others place greater emphasis on the need for humans to practice forgiveness between one another, yet others make little or no distinction between human or divine forgiveness.

According to traditional Christian teachings, the forgiveness of others is amongst the spiritual duties of the Christian believer.

In Buddhism, forgiveness is seen as a practice to prevent harmful emotions from causing havoc on one's mental well-being. Buddhism recognizes that feelings of hatred and ill-will leave a lasting effect on our mind karma and instead encourages the cultivation of emotions which leave a wholesome effect.

The concept of performing atonement from one's wrongdoing or Prayaschitta Sanskrit for penance, and asking for forgiveness is very much a part of the practice of Hinduism.

Clearly forgiveness is a prerequisite for any true or genuine peace and Islam teaches that Allah is 'the most forgiving', and is the original source of all forgiveness.

All in all I challenge you to dig deep into your memory and find those grudges you bear and for your own sake and the sake of humanity forgive them or ask for it from those who can forgive you.

Bury the hatchet, but don't forget where, so next time you can prevent it.