Pratikraman: Freedom Through Apology & Repentance (Abr.) (In English) Pratikraman: Freedom Through Apology & Repentence | Page 36

Pratikraman
23
all this? Just as we do not possess the power to do anything,
do we not also lack the power to know?
Dadashri: No. One has the power to know. To do is
not in one’s power. This is very subtle, but it will be enough if
you understand just this much.
A youngster has turned into a thief and he steals at every
opportunity. He even steals from guests who come to his house.
Now what lesson should we teach this boy? We should tell him
to ask Dada Bhagwan (the Lord within) to give him the strength
not to steal. People may question what good it does to ask for
strength when he continues to steal. Let him steal as long as he
asks for the strength to not steal. Only I know the effect this
remedy has on him. What do you know about how this medicine
works?
Questioner: It is true that people have no idea about
how this medicine works, and that is why they do not realize the
benefits in asking for strength.
Dadashri: What is the significance of asking for strength?
First of all, his asking for the strength to stop stealing means that
his opinion about, “There is nothing wrong in stealing,” has
changed to that of, “Stealing is wrong.” This change of opinion
is the greatest achievement.
Once his opinion changes, he ceases to be nature’s
offender.
Secondly, by asking for strength from the Lord within, he
achieves the ultimate state of humility. When he earnestly and
sincerely asks, “Oh Lord, grant me the strength to…,” he is
guaranteed strength by God. He will grant it to everyone, but
first one must ask and know what to ask for. Keep asking. You
never ask for a thing. Do you understand why you should ask
for strength?