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160: JAINS TODAY IN THE WORLD (or her) request for pardon. Next, the layperson is advised to recite the "Great Mantra” until complete loss of consciousness. If he (she) is unable to speak, these “mantra” will be whispered in his (her) ear, until he (she) passes away. He (she) is also invited, if he (she) has financial resources, to give charities that constitute a meritorious deed for removing or reducing the bad “karma” in his (her) future life.
If it is a death by the rite of "sallekhanā", the layperson must have taken this vow before and has to fulfil the required conditions we have already mentioned, keeping in mind that Jains are totally opposed to suicide.
Before proceeding to the rite of “sallekhana", under the conditions set for it, the adept must obtain the permission from an "Acārya" or a “Grhasthācārya”. However, some reasons do not make this act deserving like, for example: the desire for a better rebirth as human or celestial being, the lure of death or a pernicious pleasure.
In the case of a correct rite of “sallekhanā”, it is necessary the layperson fasts progressively and unceasingly. He (or she) must reduce bit by bit his food and drink without becoming ill. He (she) may practise the rite at home, in a temple or in a remote place, after having confessed his sins and expressed his (her) repent of them. He (she) must spend the last time of his (her) life to meditate and to overcome sufferings. At the approach of death, the adepts who are presents must remain standing near in “kāyotsarga" posture, reciting
Namokāra Mantra” and exhorting the person concerned to remain steady and trustful in the success of the vow.
In India, after death occurs, the corpse is laid on the ground and washed with a linen cloth. In other countries, the washing of the corpse is done according to local traditions. The corpse is dressed, covered with a pall, and a lamp full of ghee is lighted by his side. The neighbours, when advised of the death, come and bring food for the members of the family. They remind to say to them that it is the truth of life”.
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