Jain Journal 1985 10

Author(s): Jain Bhawan Publication
Publisher: Jain Bhawan Publication

Page 8

The Jaina Theory of Samlekhana :
A Critique
T. G. KALGHATGI
In the present political life of our country, fasting unto death for specific ends has become very common. In ancient India the Manu Smyti mentions some traditional methods of fasting unto death to recover a loan.1 Rājatarangini? refers to Brahmins resorting to fasts (praya) in order to obtain justice, or protest against abuses. Religious suicide is occasionally commended by the Hindus. With a vow to some deity they starve themselves to death, enter fire or throw themselves down from a precipice.3
The Jainas were opposed to such forms of death. They call such deaths unwise (bāla-marana), without moral justification. The Uttarādhyayana Sutra condemns such practices and states that those who use weapons, throw themselves into fire and water, and use things not prescribed by the rules of conduct, are liable to be caught in the wheel of samsāra. Such persons entangle themselves in the moha dharma. Fasting unto death for specific purposes has an element of coercion, which is against the spirit of non-violence.
However, the Jainas have commended fasting as an important means to self-realisation. Among the austerities, fasting is the most conspicuous. The Jainas have developed it into an art and have reached a remarkable degree of proficiency in it.5 The Jaina Munis and laymen have to fast at regular intervals for their spiritual progress. But more important is the fast unto death. It is called samlekhana. The Jainas have worked out a scientific analysis of Samlekhanā.
1 Manu Smrti, VIII, 49. ? Rajatarangini. * Jacobi, H., 'Death and the Disposal of the Dead', ERE, Vol. IV, p. 484. · Uttaradhyayana Sutra, XXXVI, 160. 5 Jacobi, H., Studies in Jainism, p. 84.
. Ibid.