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Q41. What is the place and importance of Tapascharya in Jainism? When Tapascharya becomes merely a mental or physical exercise? A41. Jains are famous for the austerities they perform through out the year. Mahavira performed the most severe types of austerities for long twelve years and earned the popular title of 'Mahavira'- a great warrior.
We have noticed that every austerity is the process of 'Sakama Nirjara' a purposeful attempt to shed away the accumulated Karmas. We have already noticed in the answer to question 22 that if this process is adopted to punish the body or with a motive to earn fame and position it results in more Karma and is no better than a mere mental and physical exercise. So, the Jain seers have put great emphasis on 'abhyantara' Tapa i.e. the austerity which is 'internal'. 'Abhyantara' means a thing which springs from within. In other words it is "Bhava" - internal development - a renunciation from within, which counts. A fast undertaken with a longing for food does not earn any merit. So while undertaking austerities we should try to develop an attitude of complete nonattachment to all worldly enjoyments. In Jain terminology a fast is called upavas. Upa' connotes nearness; "vas" means residence. In upavas one is near to his own Atman and to no one else. Thus Upavas is much more than non eating.
Another variety of Tapa is "Bahya Tapa" outward austerity. We need not consider all the different sub varieties of Abhyantara and Bhaya Tapa. It would, however, be very interesting to know that respect for virtues (Vinaya), rendering services to those who deserve (Vaiyavrata), to acquire true knowledge (Swadhyaya) and Dhyana (meditation), have been given the status of Abhyantara Tapa. The things like taking less. food rather than filling your belly to the full (Unodari), limiting your desire for different types of food and drinks (Vruti-Samkshepa) and RasaParityaga, and seeking a place of solitude for meditation are also given the status of Bahya Tapa. Such wide amplitude of the concept of Tapa shows the catholicity of the Jain doctrines.
(Ref: pg 191-196)
Q42. What is "Samlekhana"? Is it an attempt to commit suicide? A42. When this physical existence is not of any use either materially or spiritually to the person concerned or to others, a Jains thinks of the final act of Nirjara by undertaking complete abstinence from all physical activities, and entering into Dharma Dhyana or Shukla Dhyana. This is the highest type of sublimation of physical sensed and desires. The state of Dhyana continues till this mortal frame comes to an end. This is not suicide.
The suicide is the result of mental frustration of a person who wants to live and enjoy all worldly pleasures but is not able to get them.
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