________________
RENUNCIATION
for the further spiritual enhancement (Sadhana). He resolved voluntarily to undertake a fast unto death (Sallekhana).
On August 14, 1955 he gave up food. Slowly his body started getting weaker and weaker. However, his Soul (Atma) became firm in self- control, in penance, in complete detachment and in unique renunciation. Jains and non-Jains in millions came for paying respect to him. The President of India, Dr. Rajendraprasad, Vice-President Dr Radhakrishnan and many learned people came to pay their respects to him and listen his sermons. Ultimately, on the thirty-fifth day of his fast, on September 18, 1955, he attained to death in a spirit of equanimity and in deep meditation (Samadhi).
Our salutations to such great sages, who have the will-power to resort to a voluntary and planned abandonment of their bodies that are so dear to ail ! (2) It was the time of the rule of Queen Elizabeth in England. A British battalion was sent to Holland for a battle. In the battle, near the city of Jutsen, the famous commander, Sir Philip Sidney was wounded. He was thirsty. A little water was brought to him with great effort. As one of the soldiers was just on the point of putting that water in his mouth, the commander's eyes fell on a near by wounded soldier, who was looking at the water with anxious eyes. Sir Philip Sidney instructed his men to give the water to that soldier with a remark, "His need for water is greater than mine."
Right from childhood, Sidney had cultivated the habit of the renunciation of self-interest. He could renounce the much needed water in favor of another soldier only through will power acquired by constant practice. (3) Shrimad Rajchandra is recognised as a man of high repute for spiritual knowledge and attainment. Once, his chief disciple Shree Lalluji said, "Respected Sir, I have renounced a wealthy family, aged mother, two wives, and a son. Still I do not experience fulfillment."
Shrimad Rajachandra replied, "What have you renounced ? You have renounced two women, but towards how many more your eyes turn during monkhood life? You have renounced one house, but with how many more is your mind burdened ? You
TYAGA-DHARMA
121
Jain Education International
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org
