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Although they may not be as interesting as modern stories and novels, and may not hold the reader's attention, they have been a source of profound inspiration for life upliftment and are a unique cultural heritage.
This Agam, from the perspective of the subject division, falls under the category of Dharmakathaanuyoag. It also represents Charanakarananuyoag. This Agam analyzes Tapasya according to the Jain tradition. In Jain culture, the practice of Tapasya has been paramount. All the Tirthankaras have embraced renunciation with Tapasya, attained Kevalgyan-Kevaldarshan with Tapasya, and begun their first sermons with Tapasya. Bhagwan Mahavira was a unique great soul, a master of Tapasya. He harmonized the external Tapasya of body-suppression prevalent in his time with internal practice. Mahavira himself and his disciples practiced excellent Tapasya. We find mention of it in this Agam and other Agams as well. This is why the Buddhist literature refers to Mahavira's disciples as Tapasvi and Dirgha Tapasvi. In Aavashyakaniyukti, "Anugar is called a hero in Tapasya." The renowned commentator Malayagiri, while defining Tapasya, wrote: "He who tempers the eight types of karma, who is capable of destroying them, is Tapasya." Tapasya destroys karma and reveals hidden powers. Just as the dark, sooty clouds hovering in the endless sky are shattered in an instant by the southern wind, so too do the clouds of karma, like clouds, begin to disperse with the wind of Tapasya.
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This Agam presents an excellent practical depiction of Anashan Tapasya. Only a seeker who has little attachment to the body can perform Anashan Tapasya. In Anashan, not only is food abandoned, but also desires, passions, and worldly desires. Initially, the seeker abandons food and drink for a period of time, which is known as Itvarik Tapasya. In the final stages of life, he abandons food and drink for the rest of his life, which is called Yavatkathith Tapasya. Dhannya Anugar and other Anugars practiced both these types of Tapasya.
Sanlekhana is a process of Jain practice. Only a seeker who has practiced deep spirituality, who has understood the nuances of discrimination, can choose death through Sanlekhana and Samadhi. The abandonment of food and drink at the time of death does not involve a desire for death. All the actions of a restrained seeker are for restraint. A body that has become an obstacle rather than an aid in practice, which, when carried, does not lead to the purification and growth of spiritual qualities, becomes something to be abandoned. At that time, death is chosen voluntarily. There is a misconception that Santhara is suicide, but this is not true. Suicide is committed by a person who is oppressed by circumstances, whose desires are not fulfilled, who has been greatly insulted, or who has had a conflict, and who has become distraught due to intense anger. Such a person ends his life through various means. He commits suicide. His inner mind is filled with fear, desires, lusts, excitement, and passions. But in Santhara, all of these are absent, there is a strong desire to manifest the inherent qualities of the soul. Therefore, if there has been any ill will or discord with anyone in the past, he himself seeks forgiveness and also grants forgiveness on his part. In Santhara, there is neither a desire for fame nor any desire, therefore it is not suicide but a blessed and holy path of practice. 89
86. (a) Samavayanga -1, 9-8. (b) Aavashyakaniyukti, verse 150. (c) Uttarapurana 51/70, page 30 87. Tavsura Anagara - Aavashyakaniyukti, verse 450 88. Aavashyak Malayagiri Vritti, Volume - 2 Chapter 1
89. See the author's article on Sanlekhana in Jainachar-Granth (unpublished).
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