ISJS Jainism Study Notes E5 Vol 03

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

Page 177

accumulated Karmas are carried with the soul into the new acquired body and give appropriate fruitions.
In Jainism value is placed to the soul and not to the physical body, as one will continue to carry the soul into a new body till liberation. Therefore when the physical body can no longer function towards spiritual progress a planed death is prescribed called sallekhanā.
Sallekhanā can be defined as planned detachment with the present body under special circumstances, for the purpose of decreasing the accumulated bad karmas, leading to purity in the thoughts. Person with right perception can only make such decision and per Jain scriptures is distend to liberation within maximum of eight lives. Death thus is a celebration. This therefore is not a suicide. Suicide is when one does a direct and deliberate act with the intention voluntarily to kill oneself for self-regarding motives. Jainism condones suicide.
4.7.1 Circumstances under which Planned End of Life Justified in Jaina Philosophy • Untreatable diseases where death is inevitable and where all possible medical remedies
have been tried.
Extreme old age where life is physically not livable. • Irremediable natural calamity like fire, plane crash, drawning.
4.7.2 Process Depending upon the time available at ones disposal the following process is prescribed.
1. Mentally, physically and verbally giving up:
. All attachments and aversions (except basic needs) from all family and friends. . All anger, ego, deceit and greed. . All violence, lying, stealing, passions and sensual desires.
2. Have feeling of equanimity and compassion with all living beings. 3. Analyze and repent of all bad deeds done during the lifetime. 4. Give up feeling of fear, animosity, hatred and unhappiness. 5. Keep silence as much as possible. 6. Gradually decrease the intake of food:
• From 3 meals a day to 2 meals to 1 meal • Then limit intake to milk, juices and water
Page 164 of 273
STUDY NOTES version 5.0