686. When he says

When he says,
“I am sorry,”
He unconsciously cherishes
The idea of repeating
The same mistake.

When he says,
“I beg to be excused,”
He insincerely offers
Condemnation to his mistake.

When he says,
“From now on I am determined
To do only the right thing,”
His determination
Is immediately blessed
By Illumination.
Sri Chinmoy, The Dance of Life, part 14, Aum Press, Puerto Rico, 1973