Jain Journal 1985 10

SR No.: 520080
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Jain Bhawan Publication
Publisher: Jain Bhawan Publication
Publication Year: 1985
Total Pages: 45
Language: English
Classification: Magazine, India_Jain Journal, & India
File Size: 3 MB

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44
With malice towards none and charity for all, one should start the practice of samlekhanā. In the Ratnakaraṇḍa Srāvakācāra we get a description of the mental preparation for the fast. We should conquer all emotional excitement, like fear, anger and grief. We should overcome love, attachment and hatred. With a peace of mind which is not possible to one craving anything empirical, we should reach a mental dignity and calm possible in the turmoil of this world.19
The gradual process of self-mortification is psychologically significant. It is not to be a slow death, nor is it meant to intensify the rigour of mortification. The primary motive is to make oneself physically and mentally prepared to accept the inevitable end, to lighten the burden of pain. It is very important to note that we are told not to desire death nor life during the practice of samlekhana. 20 We are not to be ruffled or agitated with hope for life or fear of death. We have to be free from memories of friendly attachments as well as from anxiety for heavenly bliss. Quickly reducing the flesh by increasing the pace of fasting may give rise to emotional excitement and morbid thoughts, which are harmful to the undisturbed spiritual end.21
JAIN JOURNAL
Fasting has, therefore, to be gradual without in any way disturbing the physical and moral poise. We should first give up solid food and take to liquid food like butter milk. Then we should start taking only warm water. In the last stage, even water has to be given up. We should wait for the end, reciting hymns (pañcanamaskāra mantras). All this has to be done gradually and keeping in mind the capacity of the individual.
The analysis of the process of samlekhana shows that it has two primary stages, which are sometimes referred to as of two types. The first requisite is mental discipline and then comes mortification of the body by fasting. Accordingly, a distinction has been made in the practice of samlekhană: (a) mental discipline (kasaya samlekhana) which consists in the control of passions and attainment of perfect equanimity of mind and (b) practice of gradual fasting which leads to the mortification of the body (kaya samlekhana). 22 The two are complimentary to each other, although mental discipline is a necessary condition of the fast unto death.
1 Ratnakaranda Sravakacara, 126: slokam bhyamasadam kledam kalusya maratimapi hitva satvotsahamudiryaca manah prasadhyam srutairamrtaih.
so Ibid., 126, 127.
11 Abhidhana Rajendra, Vol. VII, p. 214.
32 Ibid.