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Tattvartha Sutra
Tattvartha Sutra
MARNANTIKIM SANLEKHNAM JOSHITA 7-17 = The observer of vows wishes for a final end whilst practising 'voluntary invitation to death.'
Anyone who strictly observes vows becomes humble and is not afraid of death. In fact, this person often wishes death during meditation or whilst undergoing voluntary and ritual fasting, leading to death. Such a death is called sanlekhna.
What is charity ? ANUGRAHARTHAM SWASYATISARGO DANAM 7-33 Charity is the act of giving away something to the poor and needy for the benefit of the giver and the receiver. A charitable person benefits because his attachment to wealth is removed or decreased, as he gives his wealth away for charitable purposes. The donor is freed from the fetters of attachment, as attachment to wealth is more harmful than wealth itself. A person can only cultivate and walk the path of righteousness by removing such bondages. Of course, the receiver of charity also benefits because he obtains what he is in desperate need of.
SanlekhnaA monk or a layman can fast unto death, but this is only allowed in certain circumstances:(1) When a monk is very old and not in good health and if he is determined that he wants to leave the world whilst in meditation and prayer, the guru gives him permission to fast unto death. In this example a person who dies, dies happily and in a blissful state.
GROUP DISCUSSION ON CHAPTER 7
(2) When a person is suffering from a terminal illness and there is no hope of living, they can ask for the permission of sanlekhna.
(3) When there is severe cruelty from ruling leaders in matters of religion.
(1) Discuss four bhavanas. Discuss how these can help in developing a positive attitude to life.
(2) Discuss what the true meaning of himsa (Violence) is
(3) "Exploitation is Stealing"- is this true ?
(4) Discuss the following statement-"It is all right to acquire or possess but to be attached to one's own possessions is a bad thing- Discuss this point.
(4) When there is a famine and it is impossible to survive. (These are not mentioned in Tattvarthasutra but noted here to satisfy enquiring minds on such a delicate subject)
