________________
A sinner who has committed sins throughout his life; even if he asks forgiveness at the end he liberates himself from the guilt. In the similar manner a sinner if undertakes sallekhanā at the end of his life can attain a good state of existence. Even Vedic literature mentions that one who repents for sins attains a place near God (vaikuntha). Ajāmila, committed sins through out his life; but towards the end repented by taking the name of Nārāyaṇa he attained Vaikuntha. Jivandharakumāra said Namokāra Mantra to a dying dog and Tirthamkara Pārsvanātha uttered this mantra to snakes dying in fire. The snakes attained the devagati. Even Manusmrti mentions about sallekhana. Sant Kālidāsa, Kabir, Tukārāma also have mentioned about it.
After the war of Mahābhārata, Bhisma also asked for voluntary death.
Sallekhana is a special tapa, which is done for spiritual growth and self development. Hence after attaining such a death only very few births are left for the person to attain liberation. Once all the karmas are gone liberation is attained Sallekhanā.
STUDY NOTES version 5.0
Page 305 of 385
