In Jainism, forgiveness (kshamā) is mainly about what is happening inside your mind, not just about an outer action like “reporting” or “not reporting.”

So:

• Forgiving = letting go of anger, hatred, revenge inside.
• Reporting or not reporting = a practical decision for safety, justice, discipline, etc.

These are two different things.

1. If I forgive, do I have to “not report”?

Not always.

• You can forgive in your heart (no anger, no revenge, no hatred)

and still: - inform parents/teachers - inform office authorities - even inform the law, if it prevents more himsā (harm) and protects others.

In Jain view, ahimsā (non‑violence) and dayā (compassion) are highest. Sometimes, keeping quiet allows the person to keep harming many others – that can become indirect himsā.

So:

• If reporting is done calmly, without hatred, only to stop harm, it can still be in line with Jain dharma.
• If “not reporting” is only because of fear, attachment, or carelessness toward victims, that is not real kshamā.

You can read more about Jain forgiveness and Michhami Dukkadam here

2. What is real Jain forgiveness (Uttam Kshamā)?

• Uttam kshamā = highest forgiveness:

“I forgive all beings, may all beings forgive me. I keep friendship with all, enmity with none.” ( jainknowledge.com)

• It means:

- no inner grudge - no desire to hurt back - praying for the other’s spiritual improvement

Whether you report or not, you should work on this inner state.

3. Simple guideline

Ask yourself:

1. Is my heart free from revenge?

If yes → you are moving towards kshamā.

1. Will my silence allow more harm to happen?

If yes → it may be better, with a calm mind, to report to the right person/authority.

1. Why am I reporting?

- For revenge → not Jain way. - For protection and correction (to stop further himsā) → can fit Jain principles.

So, forgiveness is not equal to “not reporting.” Forgiveness is an inner purity, and reporting is an outer decision that should be guided by ahimsā, compassion, and responsibility.