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THE TRUTH
this period, meditation is done which consists of (i) recollection of one's sins and repenting for them (ii) resolve not to commit sins in future (iii) feeling of renunciation (iv) praising the true Deva e.g., Tirthamkaras (v) devotion to Tirthamkaras (vi) withdrawal of attention from the body and contemplation of the spiritual self. It should be performed with a cheerful mind and without mental disturbance or laziness. During samayika, alayman resembles an ascetic. At the time of samayika, one should learn to bear hardships of cold, heat, insect bite etc., maintaining unbroken silence and control over senses. He should contemplate on the causes of suffering, and the means to obtain bliss.
Prosadhopavasa : Fast on eighth and fourteenth day of each fortnight with a view to strengthen the vows. On these days, one should refrain from five sins and sensual lusts, and should be busy in the study of scriptures, spiritual discourses and meditation. Vaiyavritya : Service of the true saints and respect for their virtues is called Vaiyayritya. It consists of offering to them food, medicine, articles like books etc., for spread of knowledge, shelter, salutation, care of their body, devotion and praising their virtues. Charity should also be given out of compassion and mercy to the needy in the form of food, medicine, knowledge and protection against fear. Besides being helpful to the recipient, it is benificial to the donor as it lightens his passions and increases the virtues. Charity should be given with reverence, without selfish motive and with pleasure.
5.12.3 Sallekhana-The control of one's conduct at the moment of death is called Sallekhana. Infact much of the purpose of life long training and asceticism lies in sallek hana. The mental attitude prevajling at death considerably affects the future destiny of the soul. At death, one should give up love, hatred, attachment, possessions and with a pure mind obtain forgiveness from others and also forgive them all. There should be no grief, fear, anguish and wickedness. One should not desire to see or to be remembered or to look forward to future sensual pleasures. One should breathe his last with right faith, right knowledge and right conduct.
By the observance of the vows and sallekhana, the soul obtains the most enviable luck in next life where it will find the most favourable circumstances for further advance on the path of liberation.
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