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16. Vipranamrutyu: death forced on a person due to bad character, going against religion, sati death on a funeral pyre, honour killing, suicide bombing. Here, the soul goes into a limbo state and may enter pishacha yoni.
17. Balak Maran: dying at a young age or dying without getting correct knowledge. Children unknowingly do many violent acts and therefore may have to go to lower life forms for many lives.
To improve the chances of having a good death, every householder should enter into sagari (temporary) santhara every night with this mantra:
aahaar sharir upadhi pachakhu paap athaar
maran pau to osire jioo to aagaar
In the morning, after saying three Namokar Mantra, sagari santhara is released and the person goes back to normal living.
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I have been fortunate to experience a few good deaths. In 1975, there were two santhara in Maharashtra. A gentleman in a town called Yeola remained in the state of santhara for 71 days. In a village called Kundevadi, a lady had santhara for 60 days. Both exuded peace and tranquility. In their presence, one felt as if one could conquer death.
In May 1978 when I was preparing to return from a visit to India, my mother requested me to stay for another month, as she sensed something. I agreed. She passed away on June 28th, 1978 while doing many pachakhan and vrata. Along with us, she chanted in the Rajasthani vernacular: "Arihanta Siddha Sahu, Dhyana Lagau, Moksha Me Jau, Pachchi Nahi Aau”, which roughly translates as “I am meditating on Arihanta, Siddha, and Sadhus; I am going to Moksha; I will not be reborn." She died peacefully and happy.
In December 2010, we went to India to see my ill elder brother. He had severe osteoporosis that had resulted in a broken right leg as well as both arms. He was unable to move on his own and was in excruciating pain. At that time, he asked his family's permission to take santhara. They agreed, and a sadhviji in town initiated him into santhara. His santhara lasted two days in Kopargaon, Maharashtra. His life had not been the easiest one, but he made peace with his life, himself and with his impending death. The family did not engage in unnecessary rituals afterwards.
5 Note that death in childhood is also a matter of karma from past lives.
