Atonement

Literally "at-one-ment", this refers to the reconciling, bringing together or "setting at one" of two previously estranged parties. The sense of expiation is also included as, in the sense normally used, it is one party who has in some way wronged the other to cause the estrangement. Atonement is thus an act or way of life that expiates wrongs previously committed, either by the person carrying out the act of atonement or by another for whom that person takes the role of mediator. In Christian teaching, although Christ is said to atone for the sins of the whole world, mankind must personally cooperate in this atonement by working under the influence of Christ's grace. According to Patanjali, when the soul and objective forms have reached equal purity then there is total atonement (at-one-ment); that which previously hindered expression of full divinity having become a means of expression and service.