Book Title: Pratikramana Full Version
Author(s): Dada Bhagwan
Publisher: Mahavideh Foundation

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Page 209
________________ [20] Awareness When Words are Flowing in Speech... 355 356 Pratikraman Say Cautionary Words Without the Hurt to Others Questioner: If someone is doing something wrong in worldly interactions and I have to caution and warn him, what do I do if this speech hurts him? Dadashri: You may be faced with the need to caution him, but because the ego becomes associated with it, you have to do pratikraman. Questioner: If I do not caution and warn him, will he not get out of control? Dadashri: You have to caution him, but you must know how to do so. If you do not know how to caution (takor), if you do not deal with that properly, then that caution becomes associated with the ego. Therefore, you must do pratikraman. When you caution him, he will indeed feel hurt, but if you keep doing pratikraman, within a few months your speech will begin to become pleasant to him. During current times, tested speech is needed. No one has the right to speak untested speech. If you do pratikraman in this way, it will all straighten out no matter what it is like. That is considered atikraman, and so one has to do pratikraman. Saying Potentially Hurtful Words with Humility Questioner: So it is not my look out (not my business) if the other person feels bad. I should go ahead and say it? Dadashri: You should not say it; why should you say anything that will hurt anyone? Questioner: Should I not say anything even when he is saying or doing something wrong? Dadashri: You can say it. You can say, 'It is better if it does not occur that way, it is good if it occurs this way.' You should say it this way. But you talk to him as if you are his boss and that is why he feels hurt. Hurtful or negative words should be spoken with humility. Questioner: Can humility be maintained while using hurtful words? Dadashri: It can be maintained; that verily is called science (vignan)! That is because it is 'dramatic.' is it not? An actor named Lakshmichand plays the part of King Bhartruhari in the famous play. In the play he will say, 'I am King Bhartruhari. I am Queen Pingda's husband.' Then, in the play he cries out, *Dear mother, please give me some food,' and tears are rolling from his eyes. Later, if you were to ask him, "Hey! But you are Lakshmichand, are you not? Were you crying for real?' He will reply. "Why should I cry? I have to act that wav, otherwise they will cut my wages if I don't do a good job!' That is what you have to do - act after attaining Gnan. This worldly life is just a Questioner: Many times we have to tell people for their own good, or stop them from doing harm. What about the hurt they feel at that time? Dadashri: Yes, if it is something that is likely to hurt others, then You have to say, 'Chandulal, do pratikraman. Why did you do atikraman? Say you will not say that again and that you are repenting for what you said.' Do you understand? That is all the pratikraman you need. (338) You have a right to speak, but you should know how to say it. Generally, the moment one sees the other person, he pounces on him saying, 'You are like this and you are like that!' play! Questioner: So do I not bind karma even when the other person feels hurt by me? Dadashri: You should be careful that you do not become

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