ISJS Jainism Study Notes E5 Vol 03

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

Page 16

2.1 The Concept and Practice of Sallekhanā As this subject has already been covered, at length in a previous lecture discussion, I shall skip it with minimal reference. The very purpose of Sallekhana is to reduce the fear and anxiety associated with death and to prepare the dying, psychologically, to face death with equanimityin a peaceful state of mind. It does so by drawing his attention to the purpose of life that is to be fulfilled in a number of lives in a continuum.
I am sure; you have been exposed to the three different regimens, at three different levels of rigor, which have been in vogue for the practice of Sallekhanā. I shall just name them for a quick recall. The three regimens are:
1. The longest one of twelve years' duration 2. The medium one of one year's duration, and 3. The short one of anything up to six months' duration.
Three levels of rigor are: 1. Bhaktapratyākhyāna, 2. Ingini, and 3. Prāyopagamana.
Sallekhanā as 'Voluntary Peaceful Death' or the death without fear and misery: As has been hinted earlier, Sallekhanā enjoys the distinctions of being voluntary and of being peaceful and, therefore, can be justly termed as the 'Voluntary Peaceful Death.' As it is the death in a state of equanimity and peace of mind, it is the death without fear and misery.
2.2 Relevance of Sallekhanāin Today's Society This is the most pertinent part of this discussion. The answer to the question: 'Is Sallekhana relevant in today's society?' is the most sought after answer. Actually, the question of death is so personal that each one has to find the answer to this question by oneself and no generalization can be made. However, if we carefully look at today's society, the point cannot miss us that in the present run for material goodies, the peace and tranquility eludes most of us and we cannot help feeling miserable and fearful when we come face to face with death.
As has been brought out earlier, in spite of all the causes of fear associated with death, one may not die a frightened and miserable death. As the death can be rationalized and steps taken to reduce the fear and misery, it is within everyone's reach to die a peaceful, tranquil death in a state of equanimity of mind. Because Sallekhanā is such death, it never becomes
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