Essence of Sallekhana Living While Dying (Bhagwati Aradhana and Other Sources)

Dr. Jayanti Lal Jain is a Ph.D in Economics and Jainology. He is the Director of Center of Philosophical Sciences, Mangalayatan University, Aligarh. He retired as the General Manager and Chief Economic Advisor of Indian Bank, Chennai. He has worked in many academic and administrative bodies including the World Bank, Planning Commission and also taught at Delhi, University. He has written and presented more than 100 articles related to Jainology, Economics, Banking and Finance which were presented in Seminars and Conferences and published in leading Journals. He has authored many books and has teaching and research experience of 25 years. He delivers lectures and talks on Jain Philosophy in India and abroad which are popular and inspirational.

Dr. Priyadarshana Jain has done her Ph.D in Jainology and holds a Diploma in Prakrit and Master Diploma in Naturopathy and Yogic Sciences. She is the Prof and Head of Department of Jainology, University of Madras, Chennai for the past one decade. She is also the course co-ordinator for Prakrit Studies, Research Foundation for Jainology, Chennai. She has teaching and research experience of 20 years and has authored more than 25 articles and written, edited and translated books related to Jain Philosophy. She has travelled extensively giving lectures on Jain Philosophy, Jain Agamic Literature and Holistic Education and Health. Dr. Jain has participated and presented many papers at National and International Seminars and Conferences besides organizing Seminars and Workshops related to Jainism and allied subjects.

Sallekhana is an integral part of Jain Philosophy and is not just a part of this pre-historic tradition. Like other philosophies, Jainism believes in transmigration of soul from one life to another. When sallekhana is pursued with right belief, it ensures liberation/moksha for sure. In the absence of mastering this great art, one continues to be subject to transmigration. Sallekhana when undertaken perfectly results in moksha in that life itself or in the next few lives if some imperfections remain. Jain literature abounds in the justification of the need for the same, processes required, historical cases and types of sallekhana depending on one's level of enlightenment and the results thereof. Jain literature depicting great stories of Tirthankaras and other prominent leaders, Jain conduct, Jain mathematical calculation of destruction of karmas and Jain principles; all types of literature has abundantly authenticated this great practice. It is not merely a practice or a ritual, but an integral principle of Jain Philosophy providing incredible insight, spirituality and philosophical value. To term it as a 'tradition' or 'practice' is to belittle the whole philosophy containing thousands of religious texts which have systematically explained the same and millions of householders and monks have followed this since last 2600 years for which literature is available as sallekhana is a time tested eternal principle taught by all Tirthankaras. Rishabhadeva being the first Tirthankar in this era, who lived billions of years ago taught it and the same is followed by innumerable acharyas and monks down the ages. It is the pious resolve of every ardent Jain who is committed to this Philosophy to adopt sallekhana in this life itself and in future if not done due to unavoidable reasons.

Of late, the above principle has been questioned by Jains and others largely due to lack of knowledge about it. So much so that it led to litigation and judgement against the principle was given by Honourable Rajasthan High Court and was later stayed by the Supreme Court of India. Very recently in March 2018, a judgement by Honourable Supreme Court has upheld the right to embrace death with dignity in cases of terminal illness. It is to be seen whether sallekhana would be considered under the same category.

The essence of all verses of Bhagwati Aradhana is presented here in this book with their proper verse numbers in certain sections. However, it is not an exact translation as such. Translation would have enlarged the size of book very much as the published book runs into over 900 pages including original text in Prakrit and Sanskrit commentary by Aparajit Suri. It was decided to have a compact edition which can be read in very short time or can be used as quick reference. Attempt was made to cover all the basic concepts but certain well known details were skipped with mere mention. Although simple explanation is given but knowledge of certain terms or concepts used in Jain literature is needed for a better understanding of the subject material. The verses cited in this text are based on the publication of Jain Sanskriti Samrakshak Sangh, Sholapur. Dr. Priyadarshana Jain has worked on the aspects of sallekhana as found in the Shwetambar texts. The FAQs provide some questions that are frequently asked on the subject. The brief answers given are based on this text as well as other literature on the subject.

I thank University of Madras and Dr. Priyadarshana Jain for her efforts in bringing out this valuable publication and hope the book will serve as a guide book for those who aspire for enlightenment and liberation through sallekhana.

**Contents and Sample Pages**