Sallekhana is Not Suicide

SR No.: 001568
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: T K Tukol
Publisher: L D Indology Ahmedabad
Publication Year: 1976
Total Pages: 124
Language: English
Classification: Book_English & Religion
File Size: 8 MB

Page 28

What is Sallekhanā ?
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purify the body and mind, help the individual to lead a life of love and compassion. While fasting is intended to curb the cravings of the body, meditation and introspection are intended to assist the soul in its purification, elevation and realization. The body is the primary instrument which is required to be trained to meet the needs of the soul in its efforts to rid of the Karmas. But this is a task that has to be worked out all through life by devotion and austerities of various kinds. (4) But when the body is likely to perish due to old age, incurable disease, calamity etc. and the householder or the monk is convinced that it is not possible to live any longer according to the tenets of religion by observing the daily vows and rules of conduct, he considers it proper to adopt the vow of Sallek hanā. The vow involves voluntary quitting of the body by planned fasting and meditation, as such a course is preferable to a life of irreligion, or pining and painful death. (5) Before accepting the vow, the monk or the house-holder must consider whether he is nearing his end. The conquest of all passions and afflictions must precede subjection of the body to any kind of austerity. (6) There should be complete detachment from all ties of affection and worldly attachments. The mind should be free from prejudice and ill-will towards anybody. (7) Supreme forgiveness towards every one must govern the mind after having begged for forgiveness from others towards oneself. (8) The mind should be full of joy and equanimity. (9) The acceptance of the vow must be voluntary. The fruits of religious merit acquired all through life should not be allowed to be frittered away just when the end is nearing. (10) The mind should not falter by any of the transgressions either by wishing for postponement of death or immediate end. Death by Sallekhanā according to spiritual rules is the victory of the soul over Karma and consequential infirmities of the mind and body, which worldly existence might have brought into being. It is an act of fulfilment and a fitting culmination to a life of piety and religion.
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