ISJS Jainism Study Notes E5 Vol 02

Author(s): International School for Jain Studies
Publisher: International School for Jain Studies

Page 312

Transgressions of Sallekhana-vrata
Tattvärtha-sūtra gives the following five transgressions of Sallekhana-vrata.
SCHOOL
is known to be at hand. It is better to die a voluntary death with self-control than try to save the body in vain, when it ceases to respond to medical treatment.
OF
The idea underlying Sallekhana is not mere flagellation of the body but denial of passions also. Voluntary death is not as difficult as upholding self-control, when the vital forces leave the body. If the mind is not pure at the last moment, the life-long self-control study, austerity, worship and charity become futile, just as a king, well versed weapons, is not good if he faints in the battle-field.
•
SELF STUDY IS THE
SUPREME AUSTERITY
Farenga
•
STUDIES
1. Desire to live (jīvītāsamsā)
2. Desire to die (maranasamsa)
3. Remembrance of friends (mitrānurāga)
4. Revival of past pleasure (sukhānubandha)
5. Expectation of future prosperity (nidāna)
We explain below the aticāras of Sallekhanā-vrata:
Jivitasamsā. Pujyapada explains it is reluctance to leave this body. Asādhara thinks that the desire to listen to one's own praise from those who surround the dying person constitutes this aticāra.
STUDY NOTES version 5.0
Maranasamsa Pujyapada explains it as desire for quick death.
Mitrānurāga. This includes remembering one's friends, games of childhood, merry festivities etc. the Svetambaras do not recognize this aticāra.
Sukhānubandha. This means recollection of past comforts and pleasures.
• Nidana: One should not desire sensual satisfaction in the next life as a reward for performance.
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