Mrutyu Mahotsav - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Mrutyu Mahotsav" (Happy Death Festival) based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Mrutyu Mahotsav (Happy Death Festival) Author(s): Sadasukh Das, Virendra Prasad Jain Publisher: Akhil Vishva Jain Mission (Published in 1958)

Core Theme: The central theme of "Mrutyu Mahotsav" is the Jain perspective on death, not as an end to be feared, but as a significant event that, when approached with the right spiritual understanding and preparation, can be a joyous occasion leading to liberation. It advocates for a "Happy Death Festival" by embracing the concept of Sallekhana (also known as Samadhi Marana or death by self-control).

Key Concepts and Teachings:

Jainism as a Way of Life: The book emphasizes that Jainism isn't just a religion but a way of life that guides individuals on how to live successfully and, crucially, how to confront and conquer the fear of death.
The Goal of Life: The ultimate aim in Jainism is to attain immortality and beatitude. Both monks and laypeople strive for this, with monks dedicating their entire existence and laypeople making efforts according to their spiritual advancement.
Sallekhana: The Jain Way of Dying:
- Definition: Sallekhana is a vow observed in the final moments of life when the body is no longer capable of serving the purpose of Dharma (righteous living) and death is certain. It's a carefully undertaken process of gradually renouncing food and drink, and engaging in deep spiritual contemplation and detachment.
- Distinction from Suicide: Sallekhana is strictly differentiated from suicide. It is not an act of passion, anger, or deceit but a deliberate, serene, and spiritually motivated decision made with utmost mental clarity.
- Purpose: The primary purpose of Sallekhana is to control one's destiny, strengthen the soul, and ensure a favorable rebirth, ultimately leading to liberation (Moksha). It's seen as a final act of asserting spiritual will over the physical body and its inevitable demise.
- Preparation: The text outlines a rigorous twelve-year training period for sadhus (monks) to prepare for Sallekhana, involving ascetic practices, dietary restrictions, and intense meditation.
- Support System: During Sallekhana, the individual is guided by an experienced Acharya (spiritual teacher) and attended by other devout individuals who provide support without sentimentality.
The "Happy Death Festival": Jain followers embrace Sallekhana as a festival, a time to celebrate the soul's detachment from the body and its journey towards higher spiritual realms. It's a triumph over the fear of death.
Types of Death: The book categorizes deaths into five types, illustrating the consequences of one's state of mind and spiritual attainment at the time of death:
1. Pandita-pandita (Master's Death): The highest form of death, like that of a Tirthankara, leading to immediate liberation.
2. Pandita (Wise-man's Death): The death of a saint, characterized by tranquility and peaceful transition, leading to high heavens and auspicious rebirths.
3. Bala-Pandita (Child-Wise-man's Death): The death of a self-controlled householder with Right Faith, leading to lower heavens.
4. Bala (Child's Death): The death of a true believer but uncontrolled being, leading to human birth or possibly heaven.
5. Bala-Bala (Fool's Death): The death of one steeped in ignorance and wrong-living, leading to hells, animal kingdoms, or even nigoda (eternal stupor).
The Role of Karma and Thoughts: The text explains that the form of future rebirth is determined by one's character and thoughts at the moment of death. Right Faith, Right Knowledge, and Right Conduct are crucial for a favorable outcome.
Comparing Jain and Western Perspectives: The foreword and commentary sections draw parallels with Western literary figures like Shakespeare and Tennyson, who also explored the concept of death as a release or a transition, highlighting the universal human contemplation of mortality. However, it emphasizes the distinct philosophical underpinnings of the Jain perspective, focusing on self-effort and spiritual evolution.
The Importance of the Commentary: The book highlights the significance of the Hindi commentary by Pt. Sada Sukha Das on an original Sanskrit text, which makes the profound teachings accessible. Virendra Prasad Jain's Hindi and English verse translation further enhances its reach.
A Timely Publication: The book was published in 1958, during the time when the great Digambara Yogi Shri 108 Acharya Shantisagarji Maharaj was himself observing Sallekhana, making the booklet particularly timely and relevant.
Personal Transformation: The overall message is that by embracing the principles of Sallekhana and cultivating spiritual awareness, individuals can transform their perception of death from a terrifying monster into a benevolent friend and a gateway to ultimate bliss.

In essence, "Mrutyu Mahotsav" is a profound spiritual treatise that re-frames death within the Jain philosophy, presenting it as a sacred opportunity for spiritual growth and liberation when met with equanimity, detachment, and profound spiritual preparation.