Pratikramana Granth

This summary provides a comprehensive overview of the Jain text "Pratikramana Granth" by Dada Bhagwan, published by Mahavideh Foundation, based on the provided Gujarati text.

Book Title: Pratikramana Granth Author: Dada Bhagwan Publisher: Mahavideh Foundation

Overall Purpose: The "Pratikramana Granth" is a foundational text within the teachings of Dada Bhagwan, presented by Dr. Niruben Amin. It focuses on the Jain spiritual practice of Pratikramana, which is described as a powerful tool for eradicating negative tendencies (kashays) and progressing on the path to liberation (moksha). The book emphasizes that true Pratikramana is not merely a ritual but a process of self-awareness, repentance, and firm commitment to change, guided by the knowledge revealed by Dada Bhagwan.

Key Themes and Concepts:

1. The Nature of Pratikramana:

   • Definition: Pratikramana is presented as the path to undoing transgressions (atikramanas) in one's thoughts, speech, and actions. It's a tool to uproot negative tendencies (kashays) that hinder spiritual progress.
   • Distinction from Ritual: It is not a mechanical repetition of words but a heartfelt, sincere process. The text criticizes rote or "mechanical" Pratikramana that lacks true repentance and understanding.
   • "Shoot on Sight": The ideal form of Pratikramana is to recognize and address transgressions immediately ("shoot on sight") as they occur.
   • Purpose: To purify the soul, reduce karmic bondage, and ultimately lead to liberation.

2. Understanding Atikramana (Transgression):

   • Types of Transgressions: Transgressions are broadly defined as actions that cause suffering to oneself or others, whether intentional or unintentional, in thought, word, or deed. This includes anger, pride, deceit, greed (krodh-man-maya-lobh), harsh speech, and wrong actions. Even subtle mental transgressions are considered.
   • Root Cause: The underlying cause of atikramana is identified as ego (ahamkara) and ignorance (agnan), leading to the mistaken identification with the non-Self.

3. The Process of Pratikramana:

   • Key Components: The text highlights the core elements of genuine Pratikramana as understood in Dada Bhagwan's teachings:
     • Alochana (Confession): Honestly acknowledging one's faults and wrongdoings, ideally in the presence of a spiritual guide or the Self as the pure soul.
     • Pratikramana (Repentance): Feeling sincere remorse for the transgressions. This is described as a "heartfelt repentance."
     • Pratyakhyana (Vow): Making a firm resolution not to repeat the transgression.
   • Spiritual Science: The practice is presented as a scientific process of spiritual purification.

4. Dada Bhagwan's Role and the Akram Path:

   • Dada Bhagwan's Revelation: Dada Bhagwan (also known as Dada Shri or Dadashri) is described as the one who revealed the science of Pratikramana in its true essence. He is considered the Gnani Purush who experienced Self-realization and the ability to impart it to others.
   • Akram Marg (Un-sequential Path): Dada Bhagwan's teachings represent an "Akram" path, a direct and rapid way to Self-realization, contrasting with the "Kram" path (step-by-step approach). This Akram path, through the "gyan vidhi," makes Pratikramana effective and accessible.
   • Knowledge and Practice: The book emphasizes that true Pratikramana is only possible after receiving the Self-knowledge from a Gnani Purush, as this knowledge awakens the awareness of one's own faults.

5. Critique of Conventional Religious Practices:

   • Mechanical Rituals: The text distinguishes Dada Bhagwan's Pratikramana from superficial or purely ritualistic practices that lack genuine understanding and repentance. It criticizes performing Pratikramana without grasping its true meaning or the underlying faults.
   • Ineffectiveness of Mere Rituals: It highlights that mere adherence to rituals, fasts, or external practices without inner transformation does not yield the desired results of reduced kashays or inner peace.
   • "Pratikramana is Awareness": The core of Pratikramana is described as awareness (jagruti), and transgression is a lack of awareness.

6. The Importance of Self-Awareness and Intention:

   • Intention Matters: The book stresses that the intention (bhav) behind the practice is crucial. Sincere repentance is emphasized over mere ritual.
   • Seeing Own Faults: True progress lies in recognizing one's own faults (nijadosh darshan) and then applying the principles of Pratikramana.

7. Pratikramana as a Tool for Progress:

   • Spiritual Growth: It facilitates spiritual advancement and helps in shedding ego (ahamkara) and negative tendencies.
   • Liberation: Ultimately, the practice of Pratikramana, as taught by Dada Bhagwan, is presented as the direct path to moksha (liberation) in this age.

8. The "Apta Vani" (Words of the Enlightened):

   • The book is presented as a compilation of Dada Bhagwan's direct speech and teachings, which are considered infallible and divinely inspired.
   • The text acknowledges that the compiled words might sometimes seem contradictory due to being context-dependent, but the underlying intention of the Gnani Purush is always for the resolution of the seeker.

Structure of the Book:

The book is divided into several parts and sections, as indicated by the index:

• Introduction (Page 2): Describes the prevalent suffering due to transgressions and presents Pratikramana as a divine gift from Dada Bhagwan that can transform hell into heaven, making one worthy of liberation.
• Editor's Note (Page 4): Addresses the seeker's fundamental spiritual questions and the need for effective means to overcome transgressions, achieve inner peace, and progress towards liberation. It questions why religious practices often fail to yield results and highlights the deficiency in worldly teachings compared to what the Tirthankaras offered.
• Dada Bhagwan's Spiritual Publications (Page 3): Lists numerous books authored by Dada Bhagwan, covering various spiritual topics.
• "Who is Dada Bhagwan?" (Page 5): Explains the divine manifestation of Dada Bhagwan in the body of A.M. Patel, the revelation of Self-knowledge, and the "Akram" path. It also mentions the spiritual lineage through Dr. Niruben Amin and Deepakbhai Desai.
• Detailed Sections on Pratikramana (Pages 6-29): This forms the core of the book, delving into the philosophy and practice of Pratikramana through various sub-sections. These sections discuss:
  • The true meaning of Pratikramana.
  • The scientific principles behind it.
  • The distinctions between different types of Pratikramana and their effectiveness.
  • Critique of mechanical or superficial religious practices.
  • The role of Pratikramana in overcoming desires, anger, pride, deceit, greed, and other vices.
  • The connection between Pratikramana and Self-realization.
  • Examples and practical guidance.
  • The concept of Samayika (equanimity) and its relation to Pratikramana.

Target Audience and Applicability:

The book is intended for spiritual seekers (mumukshus) who wish to overcome their faults, achieve inner peace, and progress towards liberation. The teachings are presented as universally applicable, transcending religious boundaries, and offering a practical, scientific approach to spiritual growth.

Overall Message:

The "Pratikramana Granth" offers a profound spiritual science for self-purification and liberation. It empowers the reader with the practical knowledge and tools, primarily through the practice of Pratikramana, to overcome inner impurities and attain Self-realization, as guided by the teachings of Dada Bhagwan. The emphasis is on sincere, immediate, and heartfelt self-correction rather than external rituals.