Sallekhana

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Sallekhana" by John M. Koller, based on the provided pages:

Sallekhana: The Holy Death Fast in Jainism

This document, authored by John M. Koller, a Professor Emeritus of Asian & Comparative Philosophy, explains the Jain practice of Sallekhana, also popularly known as Santhara. It is presented as the ideal death for a Jaina, a sacred religious ritual practiced for over two thousand years, as enjoined by Jain scriptures.

Core Principles and Distinction from Suicide:

• Distinction from Suicide: Koller emphatically differentiates Sallekhana from suicide. Suicide is strictly forbidden in Jainism as it is considered an act of violence, violating the fundamental vow of ahimsa (non-violence). In contrast, Sallekhana is viewed as the cessation of violent acts towards living beings by voluntarily abstaining from consumption.
• Context of Jain Beliefs: Sallekhana is deeply rooted in core Jain beliefs:
  • Liberation of the Soul (Jiva): Jainism aims to liberate the jiva (soul) from the bondage of karmic matter. The universe is seen as a living organism, and all souls are inherently pure and capable of achieving omniscience.
  • Asceticism and Self-Restraint: Jainism emphasizes compassion, ascetic self-restraint, and detachment from worldly possessions and passions.
  • Karma and Liberation: Actions (karma) bind the soul. Liberation requires the cessation of all actions. Therefore, the holy death fast is considered the ultimate goal, facilitating the soul's detachment from the mind and body.
  • Immortality of the Soul: Jainism teaches that the soul is immortal, while the body is mortal. This belief allows practitioners to face death calmly and peacefully, with mental equilibrium, rather than with fear.

The Practice of Sallekhana:

• Voluntary End-of-Life Practice: Sallekhana is a voluntary practice undertaken by individuals who are nearing their end, typically due to old age, incurable disease, or severe famine, when normal life is no longer viable.
• Subjugation of Passions and Detachment: The practice requires the subjugation of all passions (emotions like desire, anger, pride, deceit), abandonment of all worldly attachments, and observance of austerities.
• Gradual Abstinence: The individual gradually abstains from food, then liquids, and finally water.
• Meditation and Spiritual Focus: Throughout this process, the practitioner meditates on the real nature of the self and the soul's inherent purity, preparing for liberation.
• Religious Duty and Soul Liberation: The vow to undertake Sallekhana is made after careful consideration and is viewed as a religious duty to liberate the soul from the body. The aim is to prevent the influx of new karma that would hinder liberation and to burn off remaining old karmas.
• Culmination of Asceticism: Control over one's conduct at the moment of death is seen as the ultimate fruit of asceticism, enabling a peaceful and blissful departure.

Scriptural Basis and Historical Precedent:

• Scriptural Recommendation: Jain scriptures, including the Angas and Upangas, strongly recommend Sallekhana. The Acaranga Sutra is quoted as stating that a saint, having crossed the stream of transmigration, leaves their frail body at the appropriate time, which is good, joyful, proper, and leads to salvation.
• Mahavira's Example: The great Jaina teacher Mahavira is cited as an example. After thirteen years of strict asceticism, he took the vow of Sallekhana in 420 BCE, achieving enlightenment and ending his cycle of birth and rebirth, serving as a model for the Jain community.

Guidelines and Circumstances for Sallekhana:

The text, referencing the Jain text Ratnakarandaka Sravakascharaby Samantabhadra, outlines specific guidelines and circumstances:

• Preparation: Before adopting the vow, one should give up all love, hatred, and attachment to possessions, seek forgiveness from relations while also forgiving them, and engage in meditation.
• Circumstances: Sallekhana is advised in conditions of extreme calamity, famine, very old age, or terminal illness.
• Guidelines:
  1. Acquire mental-spiritual poise before taking the vow.
  2. Review past activities to weaken worldly attractions and bodily bonds for a peaceful ending.
  3. It is a completely voluntary death.
  4. Control passions, abandon attachments, observe austerities, and meditate on the soul's nature.
  5. Face death to exhaust old karmas and prevent new ones, thus liberating the soul.
  6. Be self-reliant, self-composed, and rise above bodily longings.
  7. Repent for wrongs and sins.
  8. Remember divine enlightened souls before releasing the physical body and mind.

In essence, Sallekhana is presented as a profound spiritual discipline within Jainism, a conscious and controlled transition from mortal life to spiritual liberation, guided by ancient teachings and exemplified by revered figures.