I think many would agree with the above for minor or intermediate wrongs but when it comes to major wrongs like dictators or murderers commit (for instance killing from one to millions of people!) in this world who then could name or see a penance to offset or mitigate wrongs at such levels?? A great master could/would still see the Atman or (Buddha nature if you are Buddhist) in such people yet again there is no penance in this world to offset acts of limited or mass murder so then what would a master say or prescribe related to that?
Btw, in some Buddhist schools there is this saying: "In some Mahayana Buddhist traditions, there is a story or ethical discussion that a highly realized being (a Bodhisattva) might, out of immense compassion, intentionally kill a person to prevent that person from committing an even greater crime (such as murdering many others), thus saving the potential murderer from accumulating an enormous amount of negative karma that would result in eons of suffering".
And in Tibetan Buddhism there is this story:
"according to traditional biographies and legends, the Tibetan yogi and spiritual poet Milarepa was a mass murderer in his youth, using black magic to kill 35 people. This dark past is a central part of his famous redemption story within Tibetan Buddhism.
The Story of Milarepa's Violence
Betrayal and Revenge: After Milarepa's father died, his aunt and uncle seized the family's wealth and property, leaving Milarepa, his mother, and his sister impoverished and effectively as servants. His mother, driven by grief and a desire for justice, insisted that her son learn sorcery to take revenge.
Mass Murder: Milarepa left home and found a master of the dark arts. After acquiring these skills, he cast a powerful spell that caused the house where his relatives were celebrating a wedding feast to collapse. Thirty-five people died in the collapse; ironically, his aunt and uncle reportedly survived, though their sons and their wives were among the dead.
Further Retaliation: When the remaining villagers became furious and sought to retaliate against his mother, Milarepa sent a hailstorm to destroy their crops.
Remorse and Redemption
Immediately after these acts of violence, Milarepa was overcome by deep guilt and remorse, realizing the heavy karmic consequences of his actions. This profound regret marked a turning point in his life, leading him to seek a path to purification and enlightenment.
He eventually sought out the great Buddhist master Marpa Lotsawa, who subjected him to severe physical and psychological trials for years to purify his negative karma. Milarepa's perseverance and devotion under Marpa's guidance ultimately allowed him to achieve full enlightenment within a single lifetime, transforming him from a murderer to one of the most revered figures in Tibetan Buddhism. His life story is a powerful testament to the Buddhist belief in the possibility of redemption and spiritual transformation, no matter how great the past misdeeds. "
...even with great effort and several earth years of purification work mentioned above it seems it would take far more than that to offset murdering 35 people?
As for someone like Stalin maybe it would take 35 million years of suffering for him to come around? or maybe some Beings spend an entire cosmic cycle in the hell realms by refusing to make amends. (all that is above my pay grade so to speak)
