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## Sanlekhana: Characteristics, Location, Method and Excesses
**From Yoga Shastra, Third Light, Verses 148-149**
**Verse 148:**
* **Meaning:** When a Shravak sees that their body is becoming incapable of performing the necessary practices of restraint (religious activities) or when the time of death is approaching, they should first accept restraint and then perform Sanlekhana.
* **Explanation:** Sanlekhana means to renounce food and anger, etc., to make the body and the passions thin. First, one must perform **Sharira Sanlekhana**, which means gradually reducing food intake to make the body thin. If one does not perform Sharira Sanlekhana, then the body will naturally become agitated, and the soul will experience a painful death. (Pancha Vastu 1507)
* **Second, there is **Kshaya Sanlekhana**, which means to reduce the passions of anger, pride, deceit, greed, delusion, envy, hatred, lust, etc., along with the body. If one does not do this, then they will be like the Sanlekhana-performing Sadhu who was told by his Guru, "I do not praise your austerities that have made your body thin. I am concerned about how your finger has broken. Think about that." Therefore, one should perform **Bhaava Sanlekhana**. Do not be in a hurry to perform Anashan (Santhara).
* **The Shravak performing Sanlekhana should also accept restraint as appropriate. Their conduct should be understood as follows:** A Shravak who knows all the duties of a Shravak should accept restraint in the end. Such a Shravak should also accept the remaining **Dharma Swaroop Sanlekhana** in the Dharma of restraint. It is said, "**Sanlehana u ante na nioa jen pavvaai koi.**" One who accepts restraint in the end should perform Sanlekhana after accepting restraint and then accept death with joy and peace. One who does not accept restraint after Sanlekhana will attain a peaceful death like an Anand Shravak. (Verse 148)
**Verse 149:**
* **Meaning:** To perform Sanlekhana, one should go to the holy pilgrimage sites where the Arihant Bhagavants were born, initiated, attained Kevalgyan, or attained Nirvana. If the Kalyanak Bhoomi is not nearby, then one should perform Sanlekhana in a secluded house, home, forest, or a quiet, peaceful place free from living beings.
* **Explanation:** The Kalyanak Bhoomi are the places where the Arihant Tirthankara Prabhus were born, initiated, attained Kevalgyan, and attained Nirvana.
**Note:** The text continues with further explanation and details about Sanlekhana.