Process of Divine Apology

अज्ञान दशा में बहुत सी लोहे की बेडि़याँ पड़ जाती हैं! मन क्या कहता है कि मुझे समाधान करावो। ‘व्यवस्थित’ है, ऐसा कह दें तो मन को समाधान हो जाता है। और सामनेवाले के लिए खराब विचार आया इसलिए मन को शुद्ध करो, सामनेवाले से क्षमा माँग लो।  (Aptasutra # 1595)

In the ignorant (absence of self-realization) state, many ‘shackles of iron’ are bound. The mind asks for closure.  If you tell the mind ‘it is vyavasthit [scientific circumstantial  evidence]’, the mind will be pacified. And if you have a negative thought about someone, cleanse the mind by asking the other person for forgiveness. (Aptasutra # 1595)

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We definitely bind karma when we are cause of hurt to someone.   Knowing this, I don't want to be cause of hurt to anyone. 

Therefore, in morning itself before I start my day, I set intention of not hurting or causing hurt or participate in any hurtful gossip towards any being, living or dead, in any way. Earlier I used to apologize to Supreme Power but off late, in my mind, in presence of Supreme Light, I apologise soul to soul to the person, to whom I might have caused hurt in any way, i.e., either through my Speech, action or even thoughts. I also seek strength so as not to repeat the mistake again. 

PS: I don't seek pardon face to face simply because I feel that the person might become offensive and also may be I am still conscious about maintaining my self respect. However, I have noticed positive change in attitude of people I have mentally apologised to....even my 'enemies' have come and hugged me on their own after I have sent them mental apologies.

As per Dada Bhagwan Foundation, we bind karma in state of ignorance, as a mistake.  This happens because we think of ourselves as our 'name' and 'body'.  We forget that we are pure soul, separate from body.  We are only knowers and seers.  We are not running the show of the world.  All our body functions are taking place on their own.  Similarly air, water, sun, earth and space are also not in our control.  Mistakenly we think we are "our name and our role only and nothing else'.   In this state when we cause hurt to someone whether knowingly or unknowingly, it binds karma.  However, if we recall that we are pure soul and then recognise/accept our mistake, repent for it and promise never to repeat it again, it sets us free from this bondage.

Pratikraman (Divine apology) - The Dada Bhagwan Foundation teaches 3 steps process for seeking soul to soul Divine Apology, from the person who has been offended, in presence of Supreme Divine Self (Dada Bhagwan) wherein one does"

Alochana : Heartfelt inner confession of one's mistakes
                 I Confess my mistakes (recall the mistakes you committed with this person);

Pratikraman: Process of apology coupled with remorse for any wrong doing
                 I apologise and ask for forgiveness for these mistakes;  

Pratyakhyam: Sincere Pledge to never repeat the mistakes
                 I firmly resolve never to repeat these mistakes.  Dearest Dada Bhagwan (the pure Self within), grant me the absolute energy not to repeat these mistakes.

Wise have told us to stay in the state of 'awareness'.  Just 'witness' and 'know' what Vandana (substitute it with your name) is doing.  Because 'I' am the 'witness', the 'Knower' wearing the body garment named as Vandana. 

Swami Bhoomanada Tirtha says that  When I sleep the world sleeps for me ( in actual,  world is always there even when I am sleeping) but the 'I' in me that recognises the world has chosen to shut it off during sleep.  After some time, the 'I' in me decides to wake up and again see the world.  We are mistaken when we think that we wake up with the sound of alarm in the morning.  No. No. No.  There is some divine supreme presence within us that chose to wake up at the sound of alarm.  Therefore this 'I' is very powerful.  It sees changes in its body garment from infant to old age.  Caught up in the external worldly drama around, the 'I' forgets its true state (of being pure, powerful, divine SELF).  It mistakenly thinks of itself as Vandana (the body name) whereas it is INFINITE.

When we seek divine apology, we see this soul state in ourselves as well as in the other beings.  Like Shirdi Saibaba advised 'Remove this wall of division between You and ME. We are one and the same'.  In ignorance we think we are separate and end up hurting each other.  However, when light of the true Knowledge falls on us, the veil of ignorance is lifted and the so called 'enemy' appears 'flawless'.  There are many things happening behind the scenes which we need to understand.  And this understanding comes from within.  When we stop, become still and focus on that presence which animates our body.  When we centre on it for sometime, all confusion ends and we get answers and solutions to all our problems.  All is crystal clear.

This clarity requires grace of supreme Self.  This grace will not come to us, if we hold grudges and resentment against fellow beings (because this means we consider others as separate from us).  The process of 'Pratikraman'(divine apology) as described above makes it possible.  We need to seek apologies for hurting someone and also for hurt caused to us by others.  Easiest part is that we need not go and apologise to the person directly.  We may perform this 'service to self' in our own inner 'temple'.

Vandana Ritik Mulchandani
Noida