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SHRI V.NEMI VIGNAN KASTURSURI SMRUTI SERIES
PART II
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SAMADHI MARAN
Basic concept underlying Samadhi Maran in Jainism is to face death gracefully in such a way as to stop the influx of new karmas and to destroy the karmas, clingining to the soul. Its aim is to liberate the soul. For this purpose, a vow is taken to abstain from taking food and water, and to give up all relations, possessions and passions. Aspirant, thus prepared, withdraws into quietude focussing attention on recital of Navkar Mantra etc. or meditating on God or on the real nature of Self, until soul departs from the body.
A vow is taken during last moments of life or when living a normal life becomes impossible due to extremes of old age, or due to incapaciation resulting from incurable diseases. Whether it is in a natural course, or by a voluntary desire, the aspirant must take a vow and strictly observe, the code of conduct and the rules prescribed in religion, under the guidance of a Guru.
As a way of dying, its anticipated realisation is conditional upon the fact whether the way of living was consistent with the religious concepts, or on the fruition of good merits earned in present or earlier lives, or on the grace of God.
In speeding up the spiritual progress of the soul, no description can do full justice to very great importance attached to it in scriptures.
In brief, the religious approach to death, is explained, hoping that a reader, will find it more convenient to follow the subject when dealt with fully here after.
स्वकृतं दुष्कृतं गर्हन् सुकृतं चानुमोदयन् ।
ang amaruit anfa groj groffszta: 11
"O Lord! I apologise for my previous wicked deeds and rejoice in my good ones. I am a poor orphan (Anath). There is none to protect me. I surrender myself to your holy feet, for refuge." (Hemchandracharya-Vitrag Stotra).
Jain Education International
Summation of human existence lies in dying a tranquil way, surrendering one's self to Lord in humble spirit, as prayed above.
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