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982 Tattvārthasūtra
[7. 15-17 Ahimsa Anuvrata is outlined. Similarly, renouncing falsehood, theft, misconduct, and possessiveness in a limited manner according to one's circumstances constitutes 2. Truthfulness, 3. Non-stealing, 4. Chastity, and 5. Non-possessiveness, which are Anuvratas.
Six virtues: 6. According to one's renouncing disposition, determining a measure for all directions such as East and West, and refraining from all kinds of unrighteous acts outside that limit is called Digvrativrata. 7. After determining the measure for direction for all time, nonetheless, by determining the measure of the area from time to time as needed and completely refraining from unrighteous acts outside that area is called Deshvritivrat. 8. Refraining from all unrighteous business except for that which is meant for one's consumption, meaning not engaging in any futile activity, is called Anarthadandavrata.
Four teachings: 9. By taking into account the time, that is, abandoning unrighteous activity by a certain period and practicing steadfastness in righteous activity is called Samayikvrata. 10. Observing fasts on Ashtami, Chaturdashi, Purnima, or any other auspicious date, and giving up all bodily adornments while being engaged in spiritual awakening is called Paushadhopavasvrata. 11. By abandoning food, ornaments, clothes, utensils, etc., that are likely to cause excessive unrighteousness and limiting the enjoyment of even those with minimal unrighteousness, is called Upabhogaparibhojaparimanvat. 12. Giving away foods and other items that are rightly earned and suitable for consumption to a worthy recipient with pure devotion in such a way that it benefits both parties is known as Atithisambhāgavata.
Sanlekhanā: Mitigating passions by reducing their sustaining and nourishing causes to diminish passions is called Sanlekhanā. This vow is taken until the end of the current body. This is termed as Maranantika Sanlekhanā. Householders also accept the Sanlekhanā vow with faith and diligently follow it; hence they are referred to as practitioners of this vow.
A person who undertakes the Sanlekhanā by fasting, etc., to end the body causes death. This is indeed suicide, and it is self-harm. Therefore, how appropriate is it to regard this as a vow and place it within the realm of renunciation?
Response: While this may appear to be suffering or an end to life, it does not solely fall into the category of violence. The true nature of violence arises from attachment, aversion, and delusion. There is indeed an end to life in Sanlekhanā, but since it lacks attachment, aversion, and delusion, it does not fall into the category of violence, but rather is viewed as pure.