Book Title: ISJS Jainism Study Notes E5 Vol 04
Author(s): International School for Jain Studies
Publisher: International School for Jain Studies
View full book text
________________
A sinner who has committed sins throughout his life; even if he asks forgiveness at the end he liberates himself from the guilt. In the similar manner a sinner if undertakes sallekhan at the end of his life can attain a good state of existence. Even Vedic literature mentions that one who repents for sins attains a place near God (vaikuntha). Aj m la, committed sins through out his life; but towards the end repented by taking the name of N r ya a he attained Vaikuntha. J vandharakum ra, said Namok ra Mantra to a dying dog and t rtha kara Pr van tha uttered this mantra to snakes dying in fire. The snakes attained the devagati. Even Manusmrti mentions about sallekhan. Sant K lidasa, Kabir, Tuk r ma also have mentioned about it.
After the war of Mah bh rata, Bhi ma also asked for voluntary death.
Sallekhan is a special tapa, which is done for spiritual growth and self development. Hence after attaining such a death only very few births are left for the person to attain liberation. Once all the karmas are gone liberation is attained Sallekhan
Page 373 of 556
प्र
STUDY NOTES version 4.0
