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Jaina View of Life
should contemplate on the importance of virtues. Having called relatives and friends, one should seek their forgiveness for any transgressions in conduct- 'should forgiveness give and take.' With malice towards none and charity for all one should start the practice of Samlekhanā. In the Ratnakaraṇḍaka Sravakacara, we get the description of mental preparation for the fast, we should conquer all emotional excitement, like fear, anger and grief. We should overcome love, attachment and hatred, with a peace of mind which is not possible by craving for anything empirical, we should reach the mental dignity and calm which is rarely possible in the turmoil of this world."
190
The gradual process of self-mortification is psychologically significant. It is not to be a slow death, nor is it meant to intensify the rigour of mortification. The primary motive is to make the person physically and mentally prepared to accept the inevitable end to lighten the burden of pain. It is very important to note that we are told not to desire for death nor for life during the practice of Samlekhanā.76 We are not to be ruffled or agitated with hopes for life or fear of death. We have to be free from the memories of the friendly attachment and the anxiety for the heavenly bliss. Quickly reducing the flesh by increasing the pace of fasting may give rise to emotional excitement and morbid thoughts, which are harmful to the undisturbed spiritual end."
Fasting has, therefore, to be gradual without in any way disturbing the physical and the moral poise. We should first giveup solid food and take liquid food like milk and butter milk. Then we should start taking only warm water. In the last stage, even the water has to be given up. We should wait for the end, reciting hymns (pañcanamaskāra-mantra). All this has to be done gradually and keeping in mind the capacity of the individual.
75. Ratnakaraṇḍaka Srävakācāra, 126. 76. Ratnakarandaka, 126, 127
77. Abhidhāna Rajendra, Vol. VII, p. 214
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