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62 : Śramaņa, Vol 66, No. 3, July-September 2015 to religion seems to be impossible due to old age, incurable disease, severe famine etc. Santhārā is nothing but the subjugation of all passions and abandonment of all worldly attachments, by observance of austerities and by gradual withdrawal of food and water, and by simultaneous meditation on the real nature of the self until the soul parts from the body. The basic concept underlying this vow of Santhārā is that man who is the master of his own destiny should face death in such a way as to prevent the influx of new karmas even at the last moment of his life and at the same time liberate the soul from the bondage of new karmas that may be clinging to it from beginningless past. Ancient Evidences of Practice of Santhārā by Ascetics and Householders
It is a well experienced fact that the last thought in our mind before falling asleep will be the first thought when we awaken, so also will the last impression in our mind come to us in the next life as the first impression. There are so many āgamic and ancient evidences of practice of Santhārā undertaken by ascetics and householders in this regard as asked by the High Court Authority. Jainism is known for many a unique spiritual practice and accomplishment since it is propounded by the first Lord Prophet Rşabhadeva, centuries ago at the beginning of time cycle. The antiquity of Jaina religion and Santhārā is unquestionably proven by its mention in the ancient scriptures. It is equally modern and rational in its philosophy and approach. It is modern in the sense that spiritual aspirants, in the pursuit of immortality, undertake this practice. It is rational in the sense that the very purpose of human existence in its spiritual evolution to perfection and to overcome all impediments that hinder its progress towards this noble goal. Here it is relevant to quote the reference of the book entitled 'Sallekhanā is not Suicide' by Justice T.K.Tukol. In this book, his studies on the relevant inscriptions on Samlekhanā undertaken by Viśākha Muni, by Candragupta Maurya so on and so forth. Numerous ascetics both monks and nuns and lay
