________________
PATH OF LIBERATION
211 (574) A Sallekhana-i. e. fast-unto-death is of two kinds; internal and external, internal salleklană consists in emaciating the passions while the external one consists in emaciating the body.
(575) A monk (adopting the vow of sallekhana) should first subdue his passions and (then) reduce the intake of his food gradually; but when the body becomes extremely weak, he should stop taking any food.
(576) A person whose mind is pure, needs neither a bed of straw nor a faultless ground; his soul itself becomes his bed.
(577 & 578) Mental thorns (salya) like deceit, perverted attitude and a desire for worldly enjoyments in next life in a person observing the vow of Sallekhanā cause him greater pain than a tainted weapon, poison, devil, an evil-motivated amulet or an angry serpent, for in the presence of these salyas right understanding becomes impossible and involvement in an infinite transmigratory cycle becomes inevitable.
(579) A monk who is free from pride cuts down the three roots of rebirth i. e. the thorns of wrong faith, deceit and desire for worldly enjoyment in next life.
Jain Education International
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org
