________________
Antima Suddhi: The Final Purification
- śarīra-sthirikarana, control of the body and the maintenance of it in a posture conducive to concentration.20
The rite of samlekhanā begins with confession; this must take place in a calm, sequestered spot, free from plants and other beings that could provoke himsā. Pilgrimage-places are always advocated.21 If the sadhvi in question has sufficient strength, she seats herself on the ground itself or on a saṁstāra (stone platform) in one of the correct postures for concentration. If she is too weak, she may sit or lie down on a saṁstāra of straw or dry grass, facing the East or the North. She then recites the praṇipăta-sūtra, praise to the siddhas and arhats and a short salutation to her ācārya. Then follows the promise of total pratyākhyāna, that is to say, of final renunciation for ever of all activity contrary to the Three Jewels, to the mahāvratas, etc. Finally, renunciation of all food, all drink, and finally of the body itself. This is ultimate käyotsarga.
22
569
Samlekhană, according to certain texts, is the conclusion of a period of twelve years' or of one year's or of six months' partial fasts, observed sytematically and ending in mahāprasthāna.23
Whatever may be the motivation for saṁlekhanā and the minor differences in the observance of this rite, the important point is this: we have here a religious act of the highest significance for the sadhvi who undertakes it.24 This final fast, which is accompanied by a
20 Cf. Nathamala, Āyāro, ns. 17 and 20; pp. 314-316; AS I, 7, 8 where samlekhana is described under slightly differing forms.
21 Cf. Ysas III, 149. There comes to mind the large number of samlekhanās on the part of munis and aryikās performed at Śravana Belgola between the VIIth and XIIth c.; cf. P 216 ff.
22 Cf. Amolaka Ṛși, 1968, pp. 683-688; also Prakirṇaka VI "saṁstāraka"; X "maraṇasamādhi" (JSBI, pp. 355; 361-362).
23 Cf. US XXXVI, 249-254.
24 It is permitted not only to ascetics, but also to śrāvakas and śrāvikās to opt for samlekhanä; cf. TS VII, 22; YSas III, 148-154.
Jain Education International
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org
