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life, and can stand death in a “heroic affect" and a love for universe where he mirrors.
Shalekhana is a spiritual practice to free oneself from the fear of death. If you know that you are going to die today, all fear of death disappear. No fear will interfere and you will not be worried what will happen tomorrow. It is a great relief. It is self-surrender in a higher, more complete and radical form. We are not always aware of our having to die, but in the light of the experience of our having to die our whole life is experienced differently. The mental state of a person at the time of death is important in determining the future quality of life; a calm and contented death, for example, with the mind focused on spiritual matters, is more preferable. Such mental disposition is highly auspicious for leaving the human body - tranquil death. It is regarded as conducive to spiritual well-being.
All pains are due to attachment to body. Shalekhana is a state of awareness or consciousness devoid of mental and emotional pains. If there is any physical pain, it has power to bear it. Doctors are finding that even critical physical disordersis are cured at the last moments of the death.
Mahavira said, “If a man controls his mind he can attain Godhead. First control the mind and then action." An ascetic is one who has complete mastery over his mind. Only when the mind is under control attachment and aversion, which are the causes of worldly suffering can be destroyed. Anger, pride, deceit and greed are the four powerful enemies which stimulate sinful deeds. These are the four animal instincts which drag the soul to sub-human existence. Anger spoils good relations, pride destroys humility,
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