Pratikraman: Freedom Through Apology & Repentance (Abr.) (In English) Pratikraman: Freedom Through Apology & Repentence | Page 83

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Pratikraman
Questioner: Would you be committing a sin if you told
a lie for the sake of liberation?
Dadashri: Anything you do for the Self is not considered
a sin. Anything that is done for the body, is considered a sin if
it hurts others, however it is a virtue if it helps others. When the
intent is solely the salvation of the world, whatever deeds are
done will not bind karma. However if in the process, you become
instrumental in someone’s suffering, pratikraman is necessary.
Questioner: If we do not notice the effect of our
pratikraman on the other person, does that mean that we are
not doing it sincerely or is it because the other person has too
many veils on his spirituality?
Dadashri: Do not concern yourself too much about the
state of the other person. He may even be insane, who knows?
You need to be sure that you are not instrumental in hurting him.
Questioner: Therefore we should attempt to bring about
a closure for any hurt we have caused him?
Dadashri: If you hurt the person, you will surely have to
amend the situation. That is indeed your responsibility. Life is
not meant for hurting anyone.
Questioner: Even then, if the matter cannot be settled to
his satisfaction, how much of it is my responsibility?
Dadashri: If you can meet with the person face to face
and apologize with your eyes, you should do so. However, if he
taunts you instead, you should realize that you are not dealing
with a noble person. You must still resolve it, but it need not be
in his presence. If while asking for his forgiveness in person, he
throws it back in your face, understand that you have made a
mistake, but because he is not a noble person, you should not
bow or belittle yourself to him.