Disclaimer: This translation does not guarantee complete accuracy, please confirm with the original page text.
7.18] Excesses of Right Belief
183 This vow arises from the intention of achieving non-violence and relinquishment, and it is the effort to achieve this intention that makes this vow complete. Therefore, it is not violence; rather, because it falls under the category of auspicious or pure meditation, it finds a place in the religion of renunciation.
Question: In other sects, there are numerous practices like lotus worship, Bhairav chanting, and water meditation for the purpose of ending life and considering it religious. What is the difference between these and Sallekhana?
Answer: From a gross perspective, these may appear similar to the act of ending life, but the distinction lies in the underlying intention. In the case of lotus worship and similar practices, if there are no material incentives or other temptations, and only a state of devotion or offering exists, then in such situations, if any distinction can be made from the state of Sallekhana, it is based on the different feelings embedded in the various forms of worship that rely on different philosophical understandings. The aim of Jain worship, according to its philosophy, is not to give up or achieve happiness from others, but solely for self-purification. The revised forms of various religious practices for the ending of life that have been in existence since ancient times are in line with this aim, as prevalent in the Jain community. For this reason, the practice of Sallekhana is ordained in specific circumstances.
When the end of life is certainly approaching, the duties of religion and necessary responsibilities are diminishing, and there is no sign of any adversity, only then is this vow regarded as legitimate. 15-17.
Excesses of Right Belief: Doubt, Wish, Inquiry, Praise of Other Views, Adoration of Other Views.
These five are the excesses of Right Belief.
Such deviations are termed as excesses, which tarnish any accepted virtue and slowly decline until they are completely destroyed.
Right belief is the fundamental basis of the principle of right conduct. The purity of this belief is essential for the purity of conduct. Therefore, anything that obstructs the purity of right belief...