Pratikraman: Freedom Through Apology & Repentance (Abr.) (In English) Pratikraman: Freedom Through Apology & Repentence | Page 52

Pratikraman
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pratikraman, the effect your words may have had on him, is
erased instantly. Just keep in mind that you want to settle your
interaction with him with equanimity and as a result, his mind
will also improve. If however you are determined to get only
your own way, his mind will react in the same way, with as
much hostility.
Questioner: What do you call it when after treating
someone with contempt you feel remorse?
Dadashri: If you feel remorse, you will break the habit
of contempt. However, if you feel no remorse and on the contrary
feel good about yourself and your deeds, that it is a sign of
going to hell. You must have remorse after doing something
wrong.
Questioner: What should we do if we have hurt someone
so badly that he is depressed?
Dadashri: Do pratikraman. And if you happen to meet
that person again, then must tell him that the mistake was all
yours and that you were insensitive. Tell him that you are sincerely
sorry and that you are asking for his forgiveness. His wounds
will heal when you say this.
Questioner: What should we do in order not to suffer
the effects of behaving contemptuously towards others in the
past?
Dadashri: For acts of contempt there is no other solution
but to do repeated pratikramans. You have to keep on doing
pratikraman until that person comes around. And if you happen
to meet him face to face, then you should speak to him nicely
and ask for forgiveness. Say to him, “I have made a very big
mistake. I am a complete fool. I have no sense.” When you
discredit yourself, the other person feels better and his hurt will
lessen.