Pratikramana Full Version

Author(s): Dada Bhagwan
Publisher: Mahavideh Foundation

Page 32

Pratikraman
PRATIKRAMAN
PART ONE
I too do prarikraman with Him as the witness.
Seeker: So then what is our duty in this worldly life (sansar)?
Dadashri: You have to see how this worldly life is unfolding by being a witness (sakshi bhaav). And if the ego arises, you have to ask for forgiveness from the Lord. Any place where the ego of 'I am the doer' arises, you have to ask for forgiveness. Do you ask for forgiveness?
Questioner: Yes.
Dadashri: Whose forgiveness do you ask? Do you ask for God's forgiveness?
Questioner: Yes.
[1] The True Nature of Pratikraman
Worth Doing in Life Seeker: What is the most important thing a human being should do in this life?
Dadashri: To speak and act exactly according to the thoughts in his mind. If you want to speak pleasant words, but there are negative thoughts in the mind, then you should do pratikraman (three step process of reversal from aggression through thoughts, speech and actions. These are recall of mistake, repentance and asking for forgiveness, and asking for energies not to repeat the mistake with firm determination). Who shall be your witness to the pratikraman? You should do pratikraman with 'Dada Bhagwan' as your witness. This person that you see in front of you is not Dada Bhagwan. This person is A.M. Patel of Bhadran (a town in Gujarat, India). 'Dada Bhagwan' is the fully enlightened One within. He is the Lord of the universe that is manifest within this body. Pratikraman should be done in His name, as follows:
Dear Dada Bhagwan, this mind has had negative thoughts for which I ask your forgiveness. Please forgive me!'
Dadashri: You should ask for God's forgiveness. That is the only solution, because if you ask for forgiveness, you will be forgiven.
If you make a mistake, then you should say, 'Dear Lord! I have no desire to make a mistake, and yet it occurs, so please forgive me.
Questioner: Many times I used to have this question as to why we worship the Lord, and why are we asking for forgiveness from Him.
Dadashri: We are asking for forgiveness for the mistakes that were committed to the world. The one who has not committed a mistake, why does he have to ask for forgiveness?
The Absolute Self is Beyond Karma
Seeker: In order to reach Parmatma (fully enlightened One), if we put aside religion and carry out only good actions, can we reach Him?
Dadashri: No, attaining the state of the absolute Self and