Takrao Talo

This Jain text, "Takrao Talo" (Avoid Conflict), by Dada Bhagwan (Param Pujya Dadashri), published by Dada Bhagwan Aradhana Trust, offers profound spiritual guidance on how to navigate life without encountering conflict. The central theme is the importance of avoiding clashes with anyone.

Core Teachings:

• Conflict as a Sign of Ignorance: The book posits that any conflict encountered is a manifestation of our own ignorance.
• The Principle of "Takrao Talo" (Avoid Conflict): The fundamental teaching is to actively avoid conflict. If followed, this principle is presented as a direct path to a beautiful worldly life and ultimately to liberation (moksha).
• The Nature of Conflict: The text uses analogies like hitting a wall or a charging bull to illustrate the futility and self-destructive nature of conflict. It emphasizes that engaging in conflict, even when provoked, leads to mutual harm.
• Internal vs. External Conflict: While the external world may present challenging situations and individuals (likened to walls or wild animals), the resolution and responsibility lie within oneself.
• The Role of Wisdom and Understanding: The book encourages using wisdom and understanding to navigate difficult situations, much like one would carefully navigate in the dark or avoid a charging bull. It draws parallels with traffic rules, highlighting how adherence to them prevents accidents and ensures smooth movement.
• The Subtle Nature of Conflict: The teachings extend beyond gross, physical conflicts to subtle mental and emotional clashes. It explains how even minor disagreements, unspoken resentments, or judgmental thoughts can be forms of conflict that hinder spiritual progress.
• The True Meaning of Tolerance: "Takrao Talo" is not about passive tolerance or suppression of emotions. Instead, it advocates for finding solutions and understanding the underlying causes of conflict. It distinguishes between tolerating a situation (like a compressed spring that will eventually bounce back) and resolving it through inner understanding.
• Understanding the Self and Others: The text stresses the importance of recognizing the true Self (Atma) in oneself and others. When we understand that the other person is also a pure Soul, conflicts naturally diminish.
• The Power of "Pratikraman" (Self-Correction): A key practical tool presented is "pratikraman," which involves acknowledging one's own faults, repenting, and seeking forgiveness. This process is seen as a way to clear karmic residues and prevent future conflicts.
• The Role of "Common Sense": The book emphasizes the application of "common sense," defined as universally applicable understanding, in all interactions. This common sense is developed through not creating conflict oneself and understanding others' actions without judgment.
• Gradual Progression: The path to avoiding conflict is presented as a gradual process, moving from gross (physical) conflicts to subtle, subtler, and subtlest (mental and emotional) conflicts.
• The Ultimate Goal: By diligently practicing the principle of "Takrao Talo" and utilizing tools like pratikraman, individuals can achieve a conflict-free life, experience inner peace, and ultimately attain liberation.

Key Concepts and Analogies:

• Walls and Bulls: Used to represent challenging or aggressive individuals that should be navigated around, not confronted.
• Traffic Rules: Analogous to principles that maintain order and prevent collisions.
• Compressed Spring: Represents suppressed emotions that can eventually erupt if not properly addressed.
• Seashells and Drains: Used to illustrate the ability to absorb and process negativity without internal turmoil.
• Pure Soul: The underlying reality of all beings, transcending external appearances and actions.
• Pratikraman: A spiritual practice of self-correction and repentance.
• Gharshan (Friction): Represents conflict and interaction that, when managed wisely, can lead to spiritual growth.
• Subtle Conflicts: Mental disagreements, judgments, and unspoken resentments.

In essence, "Takrao Talo" is a guide to achieving inner peace and spiritual freedom by transforming one's approach to conflict. It emphasizes self-awareness, the recognition of the true Self, and the practice of spiritual tools to navigate life harmoniously.