Pratikraman: The Key That Resolves All Conflicts (Full Version) Pratikraman: The Key That Resolves All Conflicts | Page 160

[5] The Way of Akram Vignan
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repentance) is the solution for that. Many people have benefited
from this solution.
‘Your past stealing is not a problem, but instead of doing
it that way, do it this way.’ When you say this to him, he will
feel you are not harping on his mistakes and his ego will not be
hurt. The other approach will hurt his ego.
I have seen a father hit his son because he was stealing,
and the son made a vow from within to get even with his father
when he grew up. Hey, you! In trying to stop him from stealing,
you created an enemy within him! You cannot hit him. Threatening
people is never the solution to improving them. Once in a while
it is fine to show sternness in your eyes, but if the child is
rebellious, you cannot do even that.
Therefore, this tells you where and how you should conduct
yourself; where you need to use not only discretion (vivek), but
right discretion. Such right discretion, which is beneficial for all,
is nowhere to be found and yet they tell you to use right discretion
(sadvivek).
Disease Cannot Be Cured Without Medicine
So when someone tells me, ‘What should I do, I have
started a business of stealing?’ I will tell him, ‘You can do it; I
do not have any problems with that. But these are the
consequences of stealing. If you can handle such a liability, then
go ahead and do it. I do not have any objection.’ So then he
will ask me, ‘Sir, how have you obliged me in this? The
responsibility will ultimately be mine anyway.’ I will tell him, ‘As
per my role in this, I will tell you, do pratikraman in ‘Dada’s
name, or Lord Mahavir’s name. Say the following, ‘Dear Lord,
I do not want to do this but I have to. I ask for your forgiveness
for that’.’
Keep asking for forgiveness in this way even while you
continue doing what you are doing. Do not do it willingly and