If anything I have said or done 

has offended you, 

please forgive me.”

 Wow!

How many of us have the strength of character—not to mention the courage—to look another person in the eye and say the above? The simplicity of the words notwithstanding, it is incredibly personal. A person sincere in what they say, including an apology, will do so while looking unguardedly at the other person in the eye.

Sounds daunting?

Okay, perhaps before you ponder its significance, picture being on the receiving side of this apology. “If anything I have said or done has offended you, please forgive me.” Imagine how blown away you’d be!

Your petty resentments just dissolve into nothingness.

Your pent-up irritation. Poof!

Your anger? Gone.

Who can stay angry at someone who so honestly—and humbly—wants to apologize? Impossible! This is the power of an apology sincerely meant and humbly given. 

Singing birds help you learn at the Pure Land.

Why not create that relaxed environment here?

Ideally, when we listen to talks on the Dharma, we set all tasks and distractions aside, sit down, and focus on the talks. But life is rarely ideal. If ever. With much to do at work and at home, and with distractions everywhere we turn, we rarely have optimal conditions to practice and learn.

How do we find and dedicate the time we want—and need—to do both?

We know that buddha-name chanting requires dedicated focused time. Our learning, however, can be more flexible. We can take a hint from those who listen to Dharma talks in the Pure Land. In that land, Amitabha Buddha has birds singing the Dharma because he understands that even beings who manage to attain birth there will find it easier to periodically take a more relaxed approach to learning.

We can do the same. Integrate some of our learning into our daily tasks. Perhaps during our daily commute or when doing routine tasks. Wherever we find ourselves.