Pratikraman

Here is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Pratikraman" by Dada Bhagwan:

Book Title: Pratikraman: Der Meisterschlüssel, der alle Konflikte auflöst (Pratikraman: The Master Key that Dissolves All Conflicts)

Author: Dada Bhagwan (Gnani Purush Ambalal M. Patel)

Publisher: Dada Bhagwan Aradhana Trust

Core Concept:

"Pratikraman" is a foundational text in the Akram Vignan path, a spiritual science that aims for self-realization in a step-less, direct manner. The book, compiled from the discourses of Dada Bhagwan, focuses on the practical application of "Pratikraman" as a key to resolving internal and external conflicts and achieving spiritual liberation.

Key Principles and Explanations:

• Pratikraman Defined: Pratikraman is presented as a spiritual science of self-correction and atonement. It is the process of acknowledging one's faults (Alochana), repenting for them with sincere regret (Pratikraman), and making a firm resolution to never repeat them (Pratyakhyan).
• The "Master Key": Pratikraman is described as the "master key" that dissolves all conflicts, both within oneself and in interactions with others. It's the primary tool for navigating the complexities of worldly life and achieving inner peace.
• Atikraman vs. Pratikraman: Atikraman represents any act of aggression, wrongdoing, or going against the natural order, which can occur through thoughts, speech, or actions. Pratikraman is the direct antidote to Atikraman, a process of self-correction that neutralizes the negative effects of Atikraman.
• The Science of Akram Vignan: Akram Vignan, as taught by Dada Bhagwan, is a unique, direct, and effortless path to self-realization. It emphasizes experiencing the Self (Atma Gnan) within a short period through a special ceremony called Gnan Vidhi. Pratikraman is an integral practice within this path, allowing individuals to purify themselves and progress towards liberation.
• The Gnani Purush: Dada Bhagwan, the Gnani Purush (Self-Realized One), is presented as the living embodiment of this knowledge. He explains that "Dada Bhagwan" is the divine Lord residing within him, who is also present in everyone. He emphasizes that the true self is separate from the ego or the relative self (referred to as "Chandulal" or "Chandubhai" in the text).
• The Role of Pratikraman in Daily Life: The book details how Pratikraman is to be applied in various everyday situations:
  • Personal Faults: Acknowledging and repenting for one's own mistakes, whether intentional or unintentional, through thoughts, words, or deeds.
  • Interpersonal Conflicts: When conflicts arise with others, Pratikraman is to be done not to blame the other person, but to understand and rectify one's own role in the situation. The other person is seen as an "instrument" (Nimit) for the unfolding of one's own karma.
  • Negative Emotions: Dealing with anger, pride, greed, deception, attachment, and aversion (Kashays) through sincere repentance.
  • Addictions and Habits: Addressing ingrained habits and addictions through a firm resolve and the practice of Pratikraman.
  • Unintentional Harm: Repenting for accidental harm caused to any living being, recognizing the importance of Ahimsa (non-violence) at all levels.
  • Past Karma: Pratikraman helps to lighten and dissolve the effects of past karma, making future lives less burdened by suffering.
• The Importance of "Shoot-at-Sight" Pratikraman: Dada Bhagwan stresses the effectiveness of performing Pratikraman immediately after an Atikraman occurs. This "shoot-at-sight" approach prevents the negative karma from solidifying and allows for immediate purification.
• Pratikraman vs. Traditional Practices: The book contrasts the direct, internal practice of Pratikraman in Akram Vignan with traditional religious rituals, penances, and austerities. While these may have some value, Dada Bhagwan emphasizes that true Pratikraman, when done with the awareness of the Self, is the most potent and direct method for liberation.
• The Power of Intention (Bhaav): The book highlights that karma is bound not by the action itself, but by the inner intention (Bhaav) behind it. Therefore, sincere repentance and the intention to change are crucial.
• Seeing the Pure Self: A key aspect of Akram Vignan is to see the Pure Self in everyone, thereby reducing attachment and aversion. However, if negative reactions still arise, Pratikraman is the tool to purify them.
• Gnan (Self-Knowledge) as the Foundation: While Pratikraman is a powerful tool, true and effective Pratikraman is most potent after receiving Self-Knowledge (Gnan) from a Gnani Purush. This knowledge helps one to correctly distinguish between the Pure Self and the relative self, enabling more accurate and effective Pratikraman.
• The Role of "Chandulal" (The Relative Self): "Chandulal" represents the ego, the relative self, which is the doer of faults. The Pure Self (the reader's true nature) is the witness and the one who instructs "Chandulal" to perform Pratikraman.

Structure of the Book:

The book is structured as a series of questions and answers between seekers and Dada Bhagwan, covering various aspects of Pratikraman and its application in different life scenarios. It begins with an introduction to Dada Bhagwan and the Akram Vignan path, followed by detailed explanations of Pratikraman through numerous dialogues.

Overall Message:

"Pratikraman" offers a practical and profound method for spiritual growth and conflict resolution. It empowers individuals to take responsibility for their actions and reactions, purify themselves through sincere repentance, and ultimately achieve freedom from suffering and liberation. The book emphasizes that by understanding and consistently practicing Pratikraman, one can effectively dissolve inner turmoil and external conflicts, leading to a life of peace, happiness, and spiritual progress.