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 58

Sallekhanā in Practice
silence and contemplation. They had acquired knowledge and made full progress. They were free from falsehood, delusion and desire; they had full control over their mind, body and speech. They were the great Ācāryas and Royal preceptors. Contemplating with concentration on the nature of Paramātma (supreme spirit) and repeating the pañcapadas which are full sources of happiness and joy, Puspasena Muni gained salvation. The management of the Panchabasadi was handed over to Gunaśena Siddhānta. The pure Akalanka-vrati expired while he had fixed his mind steadfastly on the essence of supreme Jina and with perfect confidence. He was a distinguished writer of Jaina scriptures and propagator of the religion. He was learned in the doctrines of all faiths. Puşpasena-yati was ever generous. He was the disciple of Vadiraja-muni who had mastered both logic and grammar with his unbounded wisdom. The epitaph was made by Sayoja, the son of Santoja. This is on a stone in the temple of Pārsvanatha ( 1255 A. D.)
In Belur Taluka (Dist. Hassan ) there is an inscription which records the Sallek hanā of Balacandra Panditadeva. Nemicandra-battäraka-deva and Abhayacandra-siddhanta-cakravarti were respectively his dikșa-guru and śruta-guru. Bālacandrapandita-deva was famous for his teachings and penance. He asked for the forgiveness of all people of the four castes and announced that he would adopt samnyäsana. He seated himself in palyankāsana and praised the pañca-paramesthis in such a way that he evoked the admiration of all people of his own and other sects. The Jainas of the royal city of Dorasamudra performed all the ceremonies suitable for the occasion, made images of their own guru and of pañca-paraineșthis and set them up for his merit and fame. This is near the Adinātheś. vara temple at Bastihalli of Belūr Hobli. The vow was accomplished on Wednesday noon, the 12th day of Bhadrapada bright half, Bhava Samvatsara Saka year 1197 ( 1275) A. D.). Rich tributes are paid to this ascetic for his expert knowledge
1. Epigraphia Carnațică, Vol. VIII, Ins. 44. 2. Ibid., Vol. V, Ins. 131.