Pratikraman - Book Summary | JainGPT

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Pratikraman" by Dada Bhagwan, based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Pratikraman Author: Dada Bhagwan (Param Pujya Dada Bhagwan, also known as Ambalal Muljibhai Patel) Publisher: Dada Bhagwan Aradhana Trust Language: Primarily translated from Gujarati into Marathi, as indicated by the publication details.

Core Concept:

"Pratikraman" as presented in this text is a fundamental spiritual practice within the teachings of Dada Bhagwan, aimed at purifying the soul and progressing on the path to liberation (moksha). It is explained as a scientifically developed method by Dada Bhagwan to help individuals overcome their faults and negative tendencies.

Key Teachings and Explanations:

What is Pratikraman?
- Pratikraman is described as a science of self-correction. It is the act of turning back from wrongdoings (atickraman) towards the right path.
- It involves Alochana (confession of faults), Pratikraman (repentance and seeking forgiveness), and Pratyakhyan (vow to not repeat the mistake).
- It is presented as an essential tool to remove kashayas (anger, pride, deceit, greed), overcome conflicts, and attain inner peace.
Dada Bhagwan's Spiritual Revelation:
- The text provides a brief biography of Dada Bhagwan, explaining that he attained Self-realization in June 1958.
- He explained that the "Dada Bhagwan" referred to is the pure Soul residing within everyone, which was fully manifest in him. He identified himself as A.M. Patel, the human vessel, and respected the inner "Dada Bhagwan."
- His path, known as the Akram Marg (step-less path or shortcut), enables others to attain Self-knowledge within two hours through a "Gnan Vidhi" (ceremony of knowledge).
The Purpose of Pratikraman:
- Overcoming Faults: The primary purpose is to identify, confess, and overcome one's faults (dosha) which lead to karma binding.
- Purification: It is a process of purifying the soul from the accumulated negativities of past and present actions.
- Inner Peace: It leads to inner peace and reduces the intensity of negative emotions (kashayas).
- Liberation: Ultimately, it is a crucial step on the path to liberation from the cycle of birth and death.
- Correcting Mistakes: When mistakes are made, whether intentionally or unintentionally, Pratikraman is the method to rectify them.
Atickraman and Pratikraman:
- Atickraman (transgression) refers to any action, thought, or speech that causes hurt or offense to another living being, or a deviation from righteousness. This is what binds karma.
- Pratikraman is the direct antidote to atickraman. It's about turning back from the mistake and cleansing the karmic consequences.
How to Perform Pratikraman:
- In the Presence of the Self (Dada Bhagwan within): Pratikraman should ideally be performed with the awareness of the Self (Dada Bhagwan within) as the witness. If not, it can be done with faith in a divine figure like Krishna or Shiva.
- Sincerity: It must be done with genuine remorse and sincerity from the heart.
- "Shoot on Sight": The ideal is to perform Pratikraman immediately after a fault is recognized ("shoot on sight"). If not possible, it can be done later in the day or at night.
- Detailed Confession: One needs to specifically identify the fault, the person affected, and the nature of the offense.
- Vow to Not Repeat: A firm resolve (Pratyakhyan) not to repeat the mistake is essential.
- Seeking Forgiveness: It involves asking for forgiveness from the Self within and, if necessary, from the person affected (though the internal process is paramount).
- No False Pratikraman: Superficial Pratikraman without genuine remorse will not yield results.
- Overcoming Habitual Faults: For persistent habits, continuous Pratikraman is necessary.
The Science of Pratikraman:
- Karma Account: Pratikraman helps to settle one's karmic account. Good deeds add credit, bad deeds add debit, and Pratikraman aims to neutralize these.
- Washing Away Faults: It's compared to washing clothes to remove stains. The more sincere the washing, the cleaner the clothes become.
- Nature of Faults: Faults are seen as layers (like an onion) that are peeled off through repeated Pratikraman.
- Consequences of Not Performing: Not doing Pratikraman leads to the strengthening of faults and further karma binding.
- No External Requirement: While forgiving others is beneficial, Pratikraman is primarily for self-purification. One's own Pratikraman is effective regardless of whether the other person forgives or not.
Pratikraman vs. Other Practices:
- Not Ritualistic: It's not a mere ritual; it's a scientific process of self-purification.
- Superior to Penance: While penance (tapas) may yield merit, internal Pratikraman leads to liberation.
- "Akram" Approach: In Dada Bhagwan's Akram path, Pratikraman is a key tool even after receiving Self-knowledge to manage the remaining karmic tendencies.
Types of Faults and Their Pratikraman:
- Mistakes in Speech and Action: Causing hurt through words or actions.
- Mental Faults: Negative thoughts, desires, opinions about others.
- Kashayas: Anger, pride, deceit, greed.
- Violations of Vows: Breaking vows like non-violence, truthfulness, etc.
- Unintentional Harm: Even unintentional harm (like stepping on an insect) requires awareness and Pratikraman when the fault is realized.
- Self-Harm: Any thought or action that is not in line with the Self's nature.
- Dishonesty: Not being truthful in business or personal dealings.
- Attachment and Aversion: Holding onto likes and dislikes.
Pratikraman and the "Self" (Atma):
- The true Self (Dada Bhagwan within) is untouched by faults. It is the ego (Chandubhai, a placeholder for the ego-self) that commits faults and needs to perform Pratikraman.
- After Self-realization, the awareness of the Self is stronger, making Pratikraman more effective and the recognition of faults more immediate.
- The goal is to reach a state where faults no longer arise, but until then, Pratikraman is essential.
The Nine "Kalams" (Prayers/Resolutions):
- The book includes nine "Kalams" which are a set of resolutions or prayers to be recited with a specific intention for self-improvement, seeking strength from Dada Bhagwan. These cover:
  - Non-violence in thought, word, and deed.
  - Respect for all religions.
  - Non-criticism of spiritual guides.
  - Absence of negativity and criticism towards any soul.
  - Speaking with gentleness and avoiding harsh words.
  - Control over desires and senses, especially related to sexuality.
  - Accepting food appropriately (samarsi ahar).
  - Non-criticism of any soul, living or dead.
  - Becoming an instrument for the welfare of the world.

Overall Message:

"Pratikraman" is presented as a practical, accessible, and scientific method for spiritual purification and progress taught by Dada Bhagwan. It emphasizes self-responsibility, sincere repentance, and a firm resolve to change, ultimately leading towards self-realization and liberation. The emphasis is on internal cleansing and aligning oneself with the true Self.