Sanleshna Santhara Ke Kuch Prerak Prasang - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Sanleshna Santhara ke Kuch Prerak Prasang" (Some Inspiring Incidents of Sanleshna Santhara) by Upadhyay Shri Kevalmuni:

The book explores the Jain practice of Sanleshna Santhara, also known as Samadhimaran (meditative death), which is a voluntary, slow fasting unto death undertaken with a calm and equanimous mind. It is presented as the ultimate culmination of a spiritual life, characterized by detachment from worldly pleasures, the body, and attachments.

The core idea is that through Sanleshna, individuals purify their minds and prepare for a peaceful departure from the physical body, achieving liberation and a higher spiritual state. This practice is described as a state of nishkam (desireless), nihsanga (unattached), and sthitapragya (firmly established in wisdom) where worldly pains like hunger, physical ailments, emotional attachments, and inner turmoil are transcended.

The text highlights several inspiring historical and contemporary examples to illustrate the profound spiritual power and significance of Sanleshna Santhara:

1. Muni Gajasukumar:

Although he didn't undertake a long-term Sanleshna, Muni Gajasukumar exemplified Samadhimaran in a single night.
Despite his body being consumed by burning embers placed on his head by an enemy, he remained in deep meditation, detached from the excruciating pain.
He perceived the tormentor as a helper in his liberation, demonstrating an extraordinary level of equanimity and self-absorption.
His story is presented as an unparalleled example of Samadhimaran, where inner peace remains unbroken even in the face of agonizing death.

2. Dhanna Angar:

Dhanna Angar, a former wealthy layman, renounced worldly comforts for a life of spiritual discipline.
He practiced arduous penances and austerities, which significantly weakened his body, as vividly described in the scriptures. His physique became emaciated, resembling a skeleton.
Despite his weakened state, his face radiated an extraordinary inner light and peace.
After fulfilling his penances, he undertook Sanleshna Santhara on Vipulachal mountain, performing purification rituals and extending universal compassion. He ultimately attained liberation and was reborn in the Sarvarthasiddhi heaven.
His story underscores the Jain tradition's ancient understanding of life and death as a spiritual science, where dedicated seekers would gradually weaken their bodies through penance and overcome attachments through meditation to achieve a blessed end.

3. Pujya Shri Dharmdasji Maharaj:

A prominent figure in the Sthanakvasi Jain tradition, Pujya Shri Dharmdasji Maharaj displayed immense renunciation and unwavering resolve.
When one of his disciples, who had prematurely taken Santhara, faltered in his resolve, Shri Dharmdasji intervened.
To uphold the dignity and sanctity of the Jain monastic vows and to prevent the denigration of Jain dharma, he took over the Santhara himself, demonstrating immense courage and self-sacrifice.
His Santhara remains an inspiring beacon for thousands of practitioners.

4. Tapasvi Jagjivan Muniji:

Born in Saurashtra, Jagjivan Muniji renounced his prosperous family life and embraced Jain initiation with his children.
In his old age, he decided to undertake Sanleshna Santhara on Udayagiri mountain near Rajgir, the land of Lord Mahavir's teachings.
He commenced his Sanleshna with unwavering determination, fasting for a month. His body weakened, but his voice retained its vigor, and his face shone with renewed radiance.
His profound penance attracted thousands of devotees, including dignitaries and spiritual leaders from various countries.
During his Sanleshna, he calmly informed his son that he would experience some discomfort but should not worry. Despite suffering unbearable pain due to the fast, he remained serene.
He ultimately attained Samadhimaran after 45 days of Sanleshna, leaving a powerful testament to the art of achieving a spiritual death.

5. Tapasvi Chaturmalji Maharaj:

Hailing from the Dariyapuri tradition in Saurashtra, Chaturmalji Maharaj was renowned for his immense tolerance and patience in the face of unbearable physical pain.
Afflicted with a severe prostate condition, he refused surgery to maintain the purity of his monastic vows.
He embraced the philosophy of detachment from the transient body, viewing it as a source of suffering.
He began his Sanleshna and subsequently took a vow of lifelong fasting.
Despite his debilitating illness, he exuded an extraordinary aura of peace and detachment.
On his final day, he expressed his experience of achieving a higher state, possibly indicating his next life in the fifth heaven. His passing was marked by a divine light.

6. Tapasvi Roshanlalji Maharaj:

Roshanlalji Maharaj was known for his secret austerities, performing long fasts without revealing them to his disciples or devotees.
During a period of national crisis (India-Pakistan war), his presence in Jodhpur was believed to have protected the city from bombings, demonstrating the power of his intense penance.
In his later years, he undertook a short, impactful Santhara of two days, achieving Samadhimaran. His detachment and equanimity were remarkable.

7. Tapasvi Badriprasadji Maharaj:

Badriprasadji Maharaj's 73-day Santhara in Sonipat was a widely discussed event in the 1980s.
Despite severe physical ailments, his face radiated vigor, his voice was firm, and his detachment from life was astonishing.
When doctors advised glucose and medical intervention, he firmly refused, choosing instead to focus on spiritual practice and chanting.
His physical condition dramatically improved after taking the Santhara vow, showing a remarkable transformation that defied medical understanding.
He described living beyond death and experiencing a profound, ineffable peace.
His passing was characterized by a calm acceptance, three deep breaths, and a palpable sense of spiritual energy. His Santhara impressed many, demonstrating the immense power of spirituality even in a materialistic age.

8. Acharya Shri Hastimalji Maharaj:

A highly influential and learned Acharya, Hastimalji Maharaj inspired many to live virtuous lives.
Despite not undertaking extremely long fasts historically, in his old age, he experienced a profound awakening of inner strength.
He embraced Sanleshna and the vow of lifelong fasting, choosing to welcome death with peace and equanimity rather than succumbing to illness.
He famously stated that he did not wish for his spiritual practice to be interrupted. His calm demeanor and unwavering resolve during his Santhara deeply moved those who witnessed it.
He ultimately achieved a peaceful death after 10 days of Santhara.

The book concludes by emphasizing that the resolve for Santhara arises only when one achieves complete detachment from the body and fearlessness towards death. It highlights that the examples of these ascetics demonstrate that humans, and perhaps even other sensitive beings, can experience profound peace and serenity in their final moments, underscoring the significance and purpose of Sanleshna Santhara.