To err is human’ is a western concept, our vedic concept says every mistake big or small takes us away from God hence the practice of atonement is prevalent till today. We ask for forgiveness  (kshama prarthana) when we do some ritualistic worship, as mistakes are like negative markings; they eat away at our Sadhana and the merits.

If we want to remove our defects, no explanation should be given; First accept, then brood over the root cause and finally make all efforts to remove the personality defects responsible for the mistake! If mistakes get repeated again and again and no efforts are made to remove the defects, such mistakes become Akshamya Paap (unpardonable sins).