सल्लेखना के परिप्रेक्य परिप्रेक्ष्य में आहार ग्रहण और त्याग का महत्व
By Rakesh Jain
Summary
The article examines *Sallekhanā* in Jainism, emphasizing the importance of regulated food intake and renunciation during the practice. Sallekhanā is defined as the gradual weakening of both the physical body and inner passions (*kaṣāyas*) by reducing the causes that nourish bodily attachment and emotional impurities. It is prescribed in circumstances such as incurable illness, famine, old age, unavoidable suffering, or when observance of religious discipline becomes impossible, and is undertaken with detachment, forgiveness, and freedom from attachment or hostility. The article distinguishes between *kāya-sallekhanā* (physical austerity through bodily weakening) and *kaṣāya-sallekhanā* (reduction of passions such as attachment, aversion, and delusion), stressing that bodily austerity alone is insufficient without inner purification. It further explains three forms of *pandita-maraṇa* (wise death): *pādopagamana*, *bhakta-pratyākhyāna* (renunciation of food), and *ingiṇī-maraṇa*, identifying *bhakta-pratyākhyāna* as suitable in the present age. A structured twelve-year discipline of progressive austerity, dietary restriction, simplified nourishment, and eventual abandonment of food and drink is outlined, including graded renunciation of meals and regulated liquids. The article highlights the ethical aim of Sallekhanā: detachment from bodily desire, sensory cravings, possessions, and passions while cultivating restraint, forgiveness, equanimity, and mental focus, including remembrance of the *Pañca-Namaskāra Mantra* at life’s end. It also includes references, an editorial notice about a forthcoming journal issue, and a report on the 2011 election of office-bearers of a Jain editors’ association, reflecting the journal context in which the article appeared.
Summary reviewed by a volunteer editor.
Conclusion
The article concludes that *Sallekhanā* is conceived in Jain thought as a disciplined, ethically governed preparation for death grounded in self-restraint rather than physical renunciation alone. By combining gradual bodily austerity with the reduction of passions, regulated withdrawal from food, detachment from possessions and relationships, forgiveness, and mental equanimity, it presents death as a conscious spiritual process aimed at preserving religious discipline and inner purity. The article further suggests that the meaningful completion of life depends on mastering attachment and cultivating awareness, restraint, and composure until the final moment.