Pratikraman: The Key That Resolves All Conflicts (Full Version) Pratikraman: The Key That Resolves All Conflicts | Page 8

problems. What have the Gnanis and the Tirthankars said
about one’s progress from the state of ignorance to the
attainment of Absolute Knowledge (Keval Gnan)? How can
we be liberated from the bondage of our past karma, and the
bondage created through our inherent attachment and abhorrence
(raag-dwesh)?
It is said that the path of liberation is for the brave and not
for cowards, but where should this valor be used to expedite
liberation? Is it possible for a person with a lot of bad karma to
attain good karma?
How can you suppress the fires of suffering that torment
you throughout your life? How can a man cope with a
domineering wife, difficult children and his financial worries that
overshadow his peace, day and night?
How can one recover from incessant kashays that exist
between a guru and a disciple? When a person expends his
mind, speech and body by committing adultery or cheating
others out of their wealth, where else but in hell or lower life
forms can he expect to take birth in his next life? And if one has
done so, how can he become free from the consequences of his
actions? How can one remain cautious so as to not fall prey to
such acts? What are the answers to such questions that have
agonized people for time immemorial?
Every human makes mistakes against his will. People
become trapped in their own mistakes and suffer incessantly due
to their earnest desire to be free of such mistakes, find inner
happiness and progress towards their liberation.
The Tirthankars and the Gnanis have given this world the
only weapon to combat such suffering, and that weapon is the
spiritual science of alochana (confession of one’s mistakes),
pratikraman (asking for forgiveness), and pratyakhyan (firm
resolve and determination never to repeat the mistake). Infinite
beings have achieved the wealth of liberation with this weapon
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