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Generally this is done with a vow expressed by a couplet meaning-1 detach myself from eighteen sources of sin including food, body and possessions for the night. If I die I die as detached and if I live l resume my mundane life.
When after getting up in the morning Namokar mantra is chanted nine times the duration of this Santhara ends. The benefit of this Santhara is that while asleep the religious attitude is active in the subconscious and therefore one is free from bad dreams. All the stresses of the seeker are removed, the mind is tranquil and peaceful sleep. Due to this peaceful sleep he finds himself refreshed when he gets up in the morning. He is free of any lethargy or fatigue during the day. Non-specific or Normal Santhara
This is life long Santhara and its duration ends with the last breath. Wherever Santhara word has been used in conjunction with Sanlekhana it means life long Santhara. The procedure involved has remained unchanged for last 2,500 years.
The seeker first of all explores a solitary and peaceful place. After that he makes a bed of dry grass (hay) at that spot which is free of living organisms. Facing east he positions himself on the bed, breaks his fondness for his body and other mundane things, abandons the sources of sin, detaches himself from his equipment and other possessions, and takes a vow of fasting and Sanihara.
TI
The Benefits of Santhara
For a seeker (man) Santhara is always beneficial, there never is a chance of harın. For the soul Santhara is like a tonic that cures if one is ailing and gives strength, vigour and agility if not. Santhara enhances the strength, vigour and agility of soul.
It is true that fasting is an inherent part of Santhara but it is not a movement towards death by remaining hungry. It is a potent process of purifying soul through shedding of kurmas.
As regards the pain of hunger and thirst one should understand a yogic process. In the yoga-scriptures there is a mention that if one meditates focussing attention on the base of the neck the pain of hunger does not torment. This is a fact proven by experience. In the same way when a seeker practicing Santhara indulges in unbroken meditation, the continuous stream of deep meditation quenches his hunger and thirst. He does not experience physical ailments. Even if he experiences these things it is so mild that he is not disturbed.
In brief, Santhara is abandoning the mortal earthly body with serenity and peace. As a snake while shedding his skin or a man shedding his old and tattered clothes does not feel pain; but feels pleasure instead, likewise the practice of Santhara is blissful for the seeker.
Antakriddasha Mahima
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