Theory of Karman in Indian Thought

Author(s): Koshelya Walli
Publisher: Bharat Manisha

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Yama says that Paścātāpa ( Repentance ) Snāna ( Bath ) and Nivṛtti are the three phases. I
Prāyaścitta Prakāśa holds that repentance makes the sinner fit to receive penance. T'he two are not alternatives. For this: reason Yama says that repentance and cessation to repeat the act are merely the Angas of Prāyaścitta and do not constitute, Prāyaścitta itself.
ON THE VOCAL SIDE (a) Confession Regarding confession we read in the 'Apasa tamba Dharma Sutraể that the guilty person has to disclose his. misdeeds while begging for alms to support himself. The guilt here is that of an Abhisasta, unjustly forsaking one's wife or murder of a learned Brāhmana. In case of a Brahmacárin having his sex intercourse he was to confess his guilt while begging at some houses. 3
Regarding confession Śatapatha Brāhmaṇa says4 'that when the sin is confessed it becomes less since it becomes truth. The confession is before God (i. e. Agni ) and men ( i. e. priests) to restore one to Divine forgiveness.
In Christianity we find the value of repentance recognised as an important factor in the remission of sin.5
(b) Recitation of Vedic texts for purification or japa of the Gayatri Mantra.
1. Angira Smộti qzgrarfagfazatel 15 TTCELI 2. Apastamba Dharma Sūra ( 1.9.24,15 ; 1.10.28.19, and 1.10.29.1)
e. g. 3. Gautama Dharma Sutra 23.18.
Manusmrti 11.122. 4. Satapatha Brālımını 11.5 2.20 5. The New Testament Thom is Nelson and SonsNew York, Luke 15.
"Even so, I tell you, there will be more joy in Heaven over one sioner who rcpcnts than over nincty ninc righteous persons who need no repentance". "Even so I tell you, there is joy before the angels of God over one sinner who repeats". Episior of John 1-9. If we confess our sins, Hc is faithful and just to forgive our sins and clcanses us from unrightcousness.