Repentance and the Avoidance of Regret

Repentance can be understood as the recognition that one’s original intention has violated moral or spiritual principles, while regret arises from the suffering caused by being unable to resolve difficulties. Human error originates from a single harmful thought, which subsequently leads to misguided actions and eventual entrapment in regret. The consistent practice of self-reflection and timely correction enables individuals to avoid such outcomes and pursue personal growth.

The presence of repentance is an unavoidable aspect of human life. Human nature encompasses both constructive and destructive elements. Every individual carries latent tendencies toward harmful thoughts and behaviors. Without the manifestation of these tendencies, it would be impossible to identify and correct them. The development of individual characteristics becomes particularly evident after adolescence, when values and worldviews solidify and both positive and negative aspects of character begin to emerge. In addition to these internal impulses, contemporary social values—often marked by excessive pursuit of wealth, status, and desire—further distort moral judgment. The combined influence of these factors makes it difficult for individuals to recognize their own faults. Thus, cultivating a sustained capacity for repentance is essential. While everyone experiences negative thoughts, the critical distinction lies in whether one can recognize them and respond with corrective reflection. Repentance provides the only reliable path for addressing errors.

The state of regret, although consequential, is not inevitable. Harmful thoughts lead to harmful actions, which in turn produce adverse external circumstances and personal suffering. Maintaining repentance and implementing corrective measures in a timely manner can prevent such outcomes. Even once one has entered a state of regret, resolution begins with repentance: when the heart is aligned with moral principles, actions follow accordingly, and external circumstances improve as a result. By contrast, relying exclusively on practical strategies without cultivating self-improvement often produces only temporary relief, leaving individuals vulnerable to repeating the same mistakes. Moreover, regret may also arise from external causes, such as illness, financial loss, or unemployment. Although these may appear accidental, they can be understood within broader frameworks of causality and consequence. In such situations, individuals benefit from resilience, patience, and ethical conduct, which collectively facilitate the transformation of adversity into improved conditions over time.

Avoiding regret requires adherence to established moral and philosophical teachings. Such teachings, articulated by sages across traditions, provide objective standards for evaluating harmful thoughts and actions in both individual and social contexts. Reliance on personal judgment alone is insufficient. Although most people are familiar with foundational principles of ethical conduct, consistent application is rare. For example, The Doctrine of the Mean emphasizes sincerity as an essential principle of human conduct, yet few individuals fully abstain from deception or even recognize it as a significant failing. Consequently, many transgressions occur not from ignorance but from the deliberate violation of moral guidelines to satisfy personal desires. The absence of repentance under these conditions perpetuates suffering and entrenches regret.

To maintain a reflective disposition, individuals must cultivate both precision and sensitivity in self-examination. Since moral orientation can shift within a single thought, continuous attention is necessary. One must carefully observe the emergence of thoughts, including those operating at subconscious levels, and evaluate them against established ethical standards. Inappropriate thoughts require correction, which, when enacted consistently, fosters peace of mind and gradual self-improvement. This ongoing process also mitigates the influence of harmful impulses and diminishes the persistence of destructive patterns over time. Sensitivity is particularly crucial when individuals encounter setbacks, as such experiences should prompt critical reflection on whether one’s intentions or motives were misaligned.

Ultimately, the function of repentance and regret is to orient individuals toward adherence to ethical teachings, cultivate moral clarity, and elevate personal character. The presence or absence of this reflective capacity significantly shapes human well-being, determining the degree of happiness or suffering one experiences. Adherence to moral guidance, coupled with a willingness to acknowledge and correct faults, forms the foundation of success and fulfillment. Conversely, the rejection of such principles and the absence of repentance generate ongoing adversity. Sustained reflection and commitment to ethical standards enable individuals to achieve wisdom, well-being, and a sense of purpose in their broader life trajectory.