Pratikramana Freedom Through Apology and Repentance

Author(s): Dada Bhagwan
Publisher: Dada Bhagwan Foundation

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Pratikraman
Pratikraman
completely ahimsak.
Questioner: Does cause violence (dravaya himsa) and effect violence (bhaav himsa) have the same consequences?
Dadashri: Cause violence cannot be seen it is subtle. Only effect violence is visible. It can be perceived through the mind, speech and body. If you have reverence for life, and you believe that no harm should come to any living being, then you are not held accountable for anything that happens to them, even if you kill something accidentally. Your compassion is all that is required. You must nevertheless repent and do pratikraman to eliminate any responsibility on your part.
(P.240) Questioner: I have read in your books that, “Through this mind, speech and body, let me not hurt-even in the slightest degree- any living entity." I am a farmer and I grow tobacco. While the plants are growing, I have to constantly pinch off the tender new leaves on their stalks. Would that not hurt the plant? Is that not a sinful act? We do this to thousands of our plants! How can we put an end to this sinful act?
Dadashri: You should feel remorse for the act. You should regret and feel "Why has this painful task fallen upon me?" That is all. You can continue with your work then. Internally you are repenting that it is not your wish to undertake such a disagreeable occupation.
Questioner: Yes, but are we still committing a sin?
were not aware of all this, you would not have been so reluctant to mutilate the poor plants. If you follow my advice, the responsibility becomes mine. I am taking on the responsibility for you. You can cast the plant aside, but at the same time, you should feel a deep remorse.
All farmers and crop owners are liable for their faults when they annihilate so many living organisms in the fields. Everyday they should earnestly pray to God and ask to be forgiven for their faults. I tell every farmer to take about five to ten minutes to repent in front of the Lord for this violence. They must do pratikraman because the work they are engaged in, involves so much violence. I show them how to do pratikraman.
Questioner: Is it enough to just say the prayer you mentioned earlier that no living being be hurt through the medium of this speech, thoughts and acts, in the morning?
Dadashri: It should be repeated five times every day, with the same internal focus as one has when counting money. Say it with the same concentration and say it aloud. (P.243)
16. Vengeance of Enmity Is Unbearable Questioner: Let us say that a relationship based on deep abhorrence and vengeance has occured. If we do not do any pratikraman, will we not have to meet the other person sooner or later to settle the account?
Dadashri: It has nothing to do with the other person. He does not have to settle anything. You will remain bound.
Questioner: But aren't we supposed to settle the account?
Dadashri: The fact that it has occurred means that you have become bound. So you must do pratikraman. Everything
Dadashri: Yes, it is a sin. But you must not concern yourself with that. Do not look at the sinful act. You just have to be committed to the decision that things should not be the way they are. Stay with the conviction that you would rather be employed doing something other than tobacco farming. Before, when you