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 98

Sallekhanā is not Suicide
of the causes in the concluding paragraph of the Chapter on “suicide."
Now let us examine the psychological and the sociological aspects of Sallekhanā to show that none of these characteristics is to be found either in the adoption of the vow or its fulfilment. The same may be examined with reference to (1) intentions, (2) situation, (3) the means adopted, and (4) the outcome of the action or its consequences.
The sole intention of the person adopting the vow is spiritual and definitely not temporal. The adoption of the vow is preceded by purification of the mind by a conquest of all the passions spread over a period of some years. The person adopting the vow wants to be liberated from the bondage of karma which has been responsible for all his ills in the world and for births and rebirths in different states or gatis. Contrary to the suicidal intention, there is no desire to put an end to life immediately by some violent or objecticnable means. There is no question of escaping from any shame, frustration or emotional excitement. There is no intention to harm oneself or any member of one's own family.
The situations under which the vow should be adopted are well-defined. The vow is to be adopted “as a religious duty" (or to earn religious merit) “ during a calamity, severe famine, old age or illness from which there is no escape or against which there is no remedy.'4 The instances of Bhadrabāhu and his disciples who migrated from the North to South on account of apprehension of severe famine lasting over a long period of twelve years and Bhadrabāhu adopting the vow when he felt that he was nearing his end are remarkable illustrations of the verse. The other instances mentioned in the Sravana Belgoļā and other inscriptions are also to the point. The most recent instance of saint Śrī Sāntisāgar Maharaja illustrates how the vow was adopted when the eye-sight became weak and the other limbs became incapable of proper
4, Ratnakaranda Śrāvakācāra by Samantabhadra, Verse 122.