Possessed mainly by those who are real spiritual giants – ability to forgive an injury – great people who had moral courage. Moral courage is a spiritual quality which few possess and physical courage is far easier to find than moral courage. Physical courage is possessed by those who are gifted with physical strength. It may be shown on the sports-field or in any situation in life when a man faces physical danger bravely.
Moral courage may be possessed even by puny men who are really spiritual giants. It does not depend on physical strength but on spiritual strength. A person endowed with moral courage is a man of principle. He will defend his principles or what he considers to be right in the face of all opposition. Such was the case with Gandhi. He was prepared to defend his principles even if the whole world opposed him.
Another aspect of moral courage is the ability to forgive an injury. It requires superhuman courage to forgive an injury. The natural tendency of a human being is to seek revenge. Only a brave and noble nature can forgive. Gandhi forgave not only those who abused him but also those who struck him. He could disarm hatred by love. A desire for revenge reveals a mean and petty outlook. Broad-mindedness, tolerance and moral courage are needed to make the world a better place to live in.
Apart from Gandhi, there are many great souls who have displayed their moral courage. To mention only a few, Mahatma Gandhi, Martin Luther King, Mother Teresa, and Swami Vivekananda numerous others have left their mark in the entire world as noble souls.