Sallekhana Zenith Of Human Life

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, "Sallekhana Zenith of Human Life" by Vijay K. Jain, focusing on the concept of Sallekhana:

Sallekhana: The Zenith of Human Life - A Jain Perspective

This text, drawing from the wisdom of Jain Acāryas like Pujyapāda and Amritchandra, defines Sallekhana not as suicide, but as the "zenith of human life," a deliberate and gradual process of emaciating both the physical body and internal passions (like attachment, aversion, and delusion) as death approaches. It is presented as a virtuous and controlled method of approaching the end of one's life.

Distinguishing Sallekhana from Suicide:

The core argument against labeling Sallekhana as suicide lies in the absence of passion (himsa) during the practice. The text elaborates on this distinction:

• Suicide: This is defined as the voluntary severance of life actuated by passion. When a person ends their life due to attachment, aversion, infatuation, or delusion, it is considered suicide.
• Sallekhana: In contrast, Sallekhana is practiced with the absence of attachment and other passions. It is a conscious and detached act. The text uses an analogy of a merchant protecting their goods even if their storehouse is threatened. Similarly, a householder observing Sallekhana prioritizes protecting their vows and spiritual purity even when the body is in peril.

The Nature of the Soul and Body in Jainism:

The text briefly touches upon Jain metaphysics to contextualize Sallekhana:

• Embodied Souls: All worldly souls are embodied, subject to the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth. The body is an instrument, acquired based on karmic conditions.
• Soul-Body Distinction: Jainism views the soul (jiva) and the body (ajiva) as distinct entities that co-exist for a period. While the soul can be considered "corporeal" in its embodied state due to karma, its pure nature is incorporeal.
• Delusion and Attachment: Delusion leads to identifying the inanimate (body) as animate (soul) and vice versa. This delusion fosters attachment to the body, possessions, and relationships, leading to grief and fear of separation, especially at the time of death.

The Human Life Cycle and the Realization of Impermanence:

The text outlines the progression of human life and the dawning realization of life's impermanence:

• Stages of Life: Humans progress through various stages from birth to old age and death. In earlier stages, decisions are often made by others. As adulthood is reached, individuals begin to contemplate life's purpose and make their own choices.
• The Pursuit of Pleasure: The inherent human tendency is to seek pleasure and avoid pain. However, worldly pleasures are often fleeting and lead to dissatisfaction, addiction, and ultimately, more suffering.
• The Inevitability of Separation: The text emphasizes the stark reality that all material possessions and even the body must be relinquished. Whether done voluntarily or through the "ruthless" act of death, separation is unavoidable.

Wise Conduct and the Path to Liberation:

The text highlights the approach of wise individuals in the face of life's realities:

• Acceptance and Correction: Wise individuals recognize the inherent suffering in worldly existence (disease, old age, loss, death). They do not succumb to despondency but rather make a conscious effort to utilize their remaining years constructively.
• Detachment and Renunciation: They are not overly attracted to worldly pleasures, understanding that pain and suffering are linked to karmas. They engage in virtuous actions that lead to joyous feelings in this life and the next.
• Focus on the Soul: The ultimate goal is to turn consciousness towards the Ideal of the pure soul. This is achieved through detachment from the body, recognizing it as a product of karma and an instrument pulling the soul downwards.
• Meaningful Human Birth: The text concludes by stating that a meaningful human birth is achieved through renunciation of worldly pleasures, meditation, austerities, propagating true faith, and ultimately, attaining a pious and passionless death through the practice of Sallekhana.

In essence, Sallekhana is presented as the ultimate expression of spiritual discipline and wisdom in Jainism, a conscious and detached relinquishing of the physical form and its accompanying passions, leading towards liberation.