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Their Ascetics: 225
Until recently Jain ascetics never left India. Since the middle of the XXth century some have adopted modern means of transport like cars, trains, boats, planes. As we have said, two ascetics have decided to stay in the USA, (one of them is dead now), others go and study at Oxford University. Some take part in religious conventions outside India, in meetings of the "Parliament of Religions" like the last at Barcelona in Spain. It is for them a mean to make better know Jainism and to promote its great tenets of peace and non-violence.
7. Illness and death of Jain ascetics
When a Jain ascetic falls sick, he (she) must endure suffering with courage. In case of serious illness a doctor can be called who may order admission to a hospital and for an operation. "Terapanthi" are not in favour of operations. The other obediences permit them, if they are absolutely necessary for the survival of the patient. If an ascetic can no longer walk, he (or she) is temporary or definitely exempted from the practice of wandering. In that case he (she) stays in an "upāśraya" where he (she) meditates, recites "mantra", reads sacred books or spiritual works and does small occupations. He (she) is put under observation of other ascetics who help him (her), look after his (her) needs and afford him (her) moral and religious support. He (she) must do atonements for his (her) violation of religious rule till death occurs. In India, "Terapanthi" have a hospice at Ladnun for their ill and old "sādhu" and "sadhvi" where they can stay and be cared while waiting for the great departure (mahāprasthāna).
When an ascetic is close to death, some others surround and support him (her) so that he (she) makes the passing through a new life in the best of conditions. The dying must say "mantra" especially the "Great Mantra" which, according its content is able to erase all sins and to permit the soul to be purified. If the dying ascetic cannot do this because of bad physical or mental conditions, the "mantra' and "sūtra" are whispered in his (her) ear, so that his (her) soul remain open to auspicious influences until his (her) new life.
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