Pratikramana In Spanish Language

This document is an extensive spiritual discourse on Pratikraman (repentance and seeking forgiveness), a key practice in Jainism, presented as teachings by Dada Bhagwan, a Gujarati spiritual master. The book, titled "Pratikraman in Spanish Language," published by the Dada Bhagwan Foundation, aims to explain the profound science and practice of Pratikraman.

Here's a comprehensive summary of the text:

Core Theme: Liberation Through Pratikraman (Repentance and Forgiveness)

The central message is that true liberation and inner peace can be achieved through a sincere and consistent practice of Pratikraman. Dada Bhagwan emphasizes that this practice is the antidote to internal conflicts, negative emotions (kashays), and the cycle of karma that binds individuals to suffering.

Key Concepts and Teachings:

• What is Pratikraman?

  • Pratikraman is defined as the spiritual science of alochana (confession of faults), pratikraman (repentance and seeking forgiveness), and pratyakhyan (firm resolution to not repeat the fault).
  • It's an immediate and internal process of acknowledging and rectifying one's mistakes, rather than an external ritual.
  • The authentic nature of Pratikraman is to feel remorse and to earnestly ask for forgiveness, ideally in the presence of a divine witness (like Dada Bhagwan within).

• The Gnani Purush (Dada Bhagwan) and Akram Vignan:

  • Dada Bhagwan, also known as Ambalal M. Patel, experienced Self-realization in 1958, becoming a Gnani Purush. He didn't claim to be God but an instrument through whom the Inner Self, "Dada Bhagwan," manifested.
  • He taught Akram Vignan (the "stepless science"), a shortcut path to Self-realization, contrasting it with the traditional, step-by-step kram path. Akram Vignan allows for rapid spiritual progress by imparting the knowledge of the Self directly through a scientific process called Gnan Vidhi.
  • Dada Bhagwan's teachings are presented as a direct and experiential science, not just theoretical knowledge.

• The Nature of Faults and Agression (Atikraman):

  • The world is seen as created by atikraman (aggression) in thoughts, words, and actions. Pratikraman is the way to counter this aggression and its consequences.
  • Faults (like anger, pride, attachment, greed, deceit) are identified as internal enemies (kashays) that cause suffering.
  • Mistakes are inevitable, but the key is how one handles them. Unacknowledged mistakes lead to further karma.

• How to Practice Pratikraman:

  • Witness: Pratikraman should ideally be performed in the presence of a divine witness, such as Dada Bhagwan within, or any God in whom one has faith.
  • Process:
    1. Alochana (Confession): Honestly admit the fault as it happened.
    2. Pratikraman (Repentance): Sincerely regret the action and ask for forgiveness from the Divine witness or the affected soul.
    3. Pratyakhyan (Resolution): Make a firm promise not to repeat the mistake.
  • Sincerity is Key: The effectiveness of Pratikraman depends on the sincerity of the intention and the heart.
  • Instantaneous vs. Collective: Ideally, Pratikraman should be done instantaneously after the fault. If not possible, it should be done collectively later, perhaps at the end of the day or week.
  • Purpose: The aim is to purify the inner self, reduce the impact of negative actions, and prevent the formation of new karma.
  • Self-Realization is Beneficial: While Pratikraman can be practiced by anyone, it becomes more effective after Self-realization, as one gains the ability to truly see one's own faults and the nature of the Self.

• Pratikraman and Karma:

  • Pratikraman helps to mitigate the karmic consequences of one's actions. It doesn't erase karma instantly but weakens its hold, like burning a rope, leaving ashes that can be easily brushed away.
  • By practicing Pratikraman, one purifies the ego and prevents the accumulation of new karma.

• Distinguishing True Pratikraman:

  • Dada Bhagwan contrasts true, internal Pratikraman with superficial, ritualistic repentance done only on special occasions.
  • True Pratikraman leads to a decrease in faults and an increase in inner peace and lightness.
  • The practice should be done in one's own understanding and language, not necessarily in ancient scripts.

• Pratikraman in Various Situations:

  • Interactions: Pratikraman is necessary for harsh words, anger, criticism, negative thoughts about others, and any act that causes harm.
  • Relationships: Even with close family members, where karmic accounts are strong, Pratikraman is crucial to resolve conflicts and prevent future issues.
  • Mistakes in Daily Life: Forgetting instructions, making errors in business, or even minor transgressions require Pratikraman.
  • Addictions: While addictions like smoking or drinking are seen as manifestations of past karma, Pratikraman combined with a firm resolution can help overcome them.
  • Intentions vs. Actions: Even good intentions, if they cause harm or arise from ego, require Pratikraman. The focus is on the purity of the intention and the act of seeking forgiveness.

• The Power of Akram Vignan:

  • Akram Vignan offers a direct path to liberation, where the Gnani Purush imparts special spiritual powers (siddhis) to help seekers practice these spiritual sciences.
  • The teachings highlight that one can achieve the knowledge of the Self and subsequent liberation within hours through the Gnan Vidhi.

• The Role of the "Inner Self":

  • Dada Bhagwan emphasizes that "Dada Bhagwan" is the pure Self within everyone, which has fully manifested in him. The practice of Pratikraman is ultimately directed towards this Inner Self.
  • The relative self (Chandulal, the ego) is the one that commits faults and needs to do Pratikraman, while the Pure Self (the Soul) is the observer.

Overall Message:

The book "Pratikraman in Spanish Language" serves as a guide to a practical spiritual path for achieving freedom from suffering. It teaches that by consistently practicing Pratikraman with sincerity, one can purify oneself, dissolve negative karma, and ultimately attain Self-realization and liberation, living a life of peace, love, and bliss. The emphasis is on taking responsibility for one's actions, seeking forgiveness, and cultivating a constant inner awareness, all guided by the science of Akram Vignan.