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 36

Sallekhanā in Practice
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No. (93) is partly erased and hence the name of the ascetic is not visible. He seems to have belonged to Koļattūr Sangha and attained the exalted position in the world of gods by observing samadhi. On the same hill, Indranandi Ācārya attained the everlasting splendour of the kingdom of Indra by practising samadhi, after freeing himself from delusion and subduing all his passions.8 3
Rājamati was a nun belonging to the holy Nimilūr Sangba. She had attained pre-eminence for the purity of her conduct and virtues. She went up the hill, adopted the samnyásana and ascended the abode of heaven ( 700 A. D.).84 Another nun of the same Sangha by name Anantamati practised twelve kinds of penance according to rules, observed the vow on the mountain Kațavapra and attained the state of matchless happiness in the world of gods ( 700 A. D.).86 An Acārya of the same Sangha adopted samnyâsana and attained happiness.
The next five inscriptions seem to have been partially worn out. Gunakīrti was an ascetic of lofty devotion and he abandoned his body on the mountain. Maunī Ācārya was an ascetic who belonged to the Navilūr Sangha which has already been referred to. His disciple was Vịşabhanandi who accomplished the vow of samnyäsana after realising the real nature of worldly existence. He reached the heavenly abode. The third in the group refers to a nun by name Maviabbe. She severed all bonds and ascended the hill and attained the happiness of gods. Arya was the chief of the Mayūragrāma Sangha. He always exercised great self-control and accomplished samădhi by meditation with zeal and reached the matchless world of gods. The sage Meghanandi of the illustrious Navilūr Sangha attained perfection at the holy place. All inscriptions are of 700 A. D.36 Another inscription says that Nandi Muni 33. Ibid., Vol. II, Ins. 93.
35. Ibid., Vol. II, Ins. 98. 34. Ibid., Vol. II, Ins. 97.
36. Ibid., Vol. II, Ins. 105 (9). S-4