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 (Ambalal M. Patel) Publisher: Dada Bhagwan Aradhna Trust Core Concept: "Pratikraman" is presented as the master key to resolving all conflicts in life. It is a powerful spiritual science taught by Gnani Purush Dada Bhagwan, as compiled by Dr. Niruben Amin.

Introduction to Dada Bhagwan and Akram Vignan:

Gnani Purush: Ambalal M. Patel, a contractor, experienced spontaneous self-realization in 1958, becoming a living instrument of the Lord. He identified this Lord within him and all beings as "Dada Bhagwan." He declared that Dada Bhagwan was fully manifested within him and that this divine consciousness resided within everyone.
Akram Vignan: This is a direct, step-less path to self-realization, described as a shortcut to the bliss of the Self. It contrasts with the traditional "Kram" path, which is step-by-step. Dada Bhagwan's teachings form the basis of this path, and he could impart this knowledge through a scientific process called "Gnan Vidhi" in less than two hours.
Spiritual Succession: Dada Bhagwan passed on his spiritual powers (siddhis) to Dr. Niruben Amin, who continued his work. Upon her passing, Shri Deepakbhai Desai became the current Atmagnani (knower of the Self) carrying forward the teachings and Gnan Vidhi.

The Essence of Pratikraman:

Purpose: Pratikraman is the science of acknowledging and seeking forgiveness for one's errors (atikraman) in thoughts, words, and actions. It is the antidote to "kashays" (anger, pride, deceit, greed) that cause conflict and suffering.
The Three Pillars (from Lord Mahavir's teachings):
1. Alochana: Confessing one's faults exactly as they happened.
2. Pratikraman: Expressing genuine repentance and asking for forgiveness.
3. Pratyakhyan: Making a firm resolution and determination to never repeat the mistake.
The Witness: Pratikraman should be performed in the presence of a chosen God or the divine witness within, referred to as "Dada Bhagwan." The body of A.M. Patel is merely an instrument; the true witness is the all-knowing Lord within.
Correct Practice:
- Instantaneous: True pratikraman happens immediately after an error (atikraman).
- Internal: It is primarily an internal process of repentance and resolution.
- Sincere: While sincerity is ideal, even habitual apology, as long as it's done, has value.
- Personalized: Pratikraman should be done in one's own language for full benefit.
- Specific: It's specific to the fault committed, not a general confession.

Dada Bhagwan's Unique Perspective on Pratikraman:

Beyond Ritual: Dada Bhagwan emphasizes that traditional, ritualistic pratikraman, often performed annually or without true understanding, is insufficient. True pratikraman leads to a decrease in faults.
Akram Approach: In Akram Vignan, pratikraman is presented as an immediate, internal process. After self-realization (Gnan), one becomes aware of one's faults as they occur and can immediately "make Chandulal" (the relative self) do pratikraman.
The "Doership" Ego: The path of Akram Vignan does not accept "doership" or the ego's claim of being the author of actions. Pratikraman is done by the relative self ("Chandulal") under the guidance of the Pure Soul (the Self, "Dada Bhagwan"). The Pure Soul is merely the "Knower" and is never the doer or the one who errs.
Impact of Pratikraman:
- Cleansing Karma: It cleanses negative karma, making it lighter, like a burnt rope whose ashes disintegrate.
- Reducing Faults: The primary indicator of true pratikraman is the reduction of one's faults.
- Internal Change: It brings about internal transformation, leading to peace and freedom from conflict.
- Resolving Conflicts: It resolves disputes and negative interactions with others, both internally and externally.
- Shifting Opinions: It helps change negative opinions about oneself and others.
- Overcoming Vices: It is the key to overcoming habits like addiction, lying, and anger.
- Spiritual Progress: It is a crucial step towards self-realization and eventual liberation (moksha).

Types of Conflicts and How Pratikraman Applies:

Atikraman: Any aggression in thought, word, or deed. Kraman (neutral acts) do not cause problems.
Kashays: Anger, pride, deceit, and greed are all considered atikraman.
Different Levels of Conflict: The text describes gross, subtle, very subtle, and extremely subtle conflicts, with pratikraman being essential for all levels.
Specific Situations: Pratikraman is recommended for dealing with relationships, business interactions, financial dealings, personal mistakes, and even unintentional harm to living beings.
Internal States: It addresses artadhyana (suffering internally) and raudradhyana (causing suffering to others), suggesting pratikraman can transform these states.

The Power and Efficacy of Pratikraman:

The "ATM of Divine Solution": Dada Bhagwan refers to this science as a divine solution dispenser, offering liberation quickly.
Unseen but Powerful: The effects of pratikraman are often subtle and internal, leading to profound transformations.
The Role of Gnan: While pratikraman is beneficial even without self-realization, it becomes truly powerful and transformative after receiving "Gnan" from a Gnani Purush.
Continuous Practice: The more pratikraman is practiced, the more effective it becomes. It's a continuous process of purification.
The Ultimate Goal: The ultimate aim of pratikraman, as part of Akram Vignan, is to help individuals achieve self-realization and live free from the bondage of karma and the cycles of birth and death.

In essence, "Pratikraman" by Dada Bhagwan provides a practical and profound spiritual science for purifying oneself of errors and negative tendencies. It emphasizes immediate repentance, sincere seeking of forgiveness, and firm resolution, all directed towards achieving inner peace and ultimate liberation. The teachings are presented in an accessible dialogue format, making complex spiritual principles relatable to everyday life.