SANTHARA- A JAINISM WAY TO ACCEPT DEATH PEACEFULLY-------!!!

Santhara is an unique parallel way of celebrating death.Only one Jainism- can preach such a bold way to accept death with a smile. Santhara means fast till death. Our human body is made of Pudgals 
( particles) which has a tendency to deteriorate with passage of time.

Till now no way is found out by modern science to keep human alive for ever. Though it a harsh fact of life majority of the people try their best to prolong the lifeline. Even artificial ways like ventilators etc. are used to achieve this goal. In majority cases the attempt goes in vain and the patient leaves for another unknown destination with so many sufferings at time of current death. It is hard but a true reality. 

     
Santhara as termed in Jainism is a process where the ailing patient knowing his last moments are reaching- opt for fast- voluntarily. He takes a vow not to eat food, medicines or drink water in presence of Suguru and family members. The particular person follows such a promise till the end of current life. It is "Sagari Santhara" if water is allowed otherwise, it is Javajiva Santhara Thus he conquers fear of death and greet it, with peace and smile by giving up love for body.

There is difference in two terms though related to each other. They are Salekhna and Santara. Few noble soul without any serious health issue start this "Tapsya" for a longer period say 6 month or 12 month. In this period they do maximum fast like  alternate Tela or Bela and give up all "Vigay" like Ghee, milk, sugar etc. End result is Santhara.

Own self consent is important condition of this Vrata. In absence of Suguru ,one can take it himself as guided in Pratikaman. If in any accident case very few seconds are left, the sufferer can tell --"With witness of Arihant and Siddha Bhagwan ,I opt for Santhara Vrat. Let me have "Char Sharana in this my last moments. ".In case of patient going in coma as per his desire family members can approve consent
on his behalf if he in his lifetime- patient has ever expressed desire.

Santhara is totally different from suicide. The frame of mind of concerned in both the cases is totally different. In Santhara vrata ,the person is in highly spiritual frame of mind and has obtained the knowledge of inevitability of death and voluntarily opts for it. It is called Apachim Marntiya Salekhna Vrata. Apachim means no work

is left to be performed. Suicide may be by a quicker result method while Santhara involves no time frame. Suicide is attempted when one is too frustrated, disturbed and unable to find any solution for the problems faced. Santhara requires extra-ordinary courage and soul's determination while suicide is a cowardly act which enjoy life and running away when life throws challenge. Suicide is committed with very hasty decisions while Santhara is an outcome of a long perished dream. Suicide is termed as biggest sin as it involves killing ten life organs of a living body facing abnormal pain at time of exit of Prans.

If opting for death voluntarily is suicide, then what one can term. one joining military, Here chances of death are more than any other given profession. There is boldness and backing of soul for such decision.

 In Bhagwatisutra Shatak 2 Mahaveer Bhagwan has termed Santhara as Panditmaran and has explained to Aarya Skandhakji all different types of Santhara. The Pachhakan for Santhara Vrata is given in the Pratikamansutra under chapter Badi Salekhnaka Path. It involves Vandana, Aaloyana, Pachhakhan and Osirami  ( giving up body and love for it ). For daily Vrata small Salekhna path is also available in Pratikaman. Daily reading sows a seed of Panditmaran dream for us.

So many Sadhus, Sadhviji,Shravak and Shrawikas has accepted death with this great Vrata, I knew one Sadhuji who has taken this Vrata in his youth saying that if he completes age of 75 , he will opt for Santhara. And he followed it recently.So much followers daily pray before going to sleep- "Aahar,Sharir,Upadhi,Pachku Paap Atharah (18),.Maran Aawe To Vosire,Jaagu to Navkar,". All of them pray for death while in Santhara only. Since it is a intellectual 
death, family members must avoid post death rituals.

I studied why there is so much importance of Santhata in Jainism. I found the answer in 4th Shatak of Bhagwati. Bhagwan has told that which ever feeling the soul gathers ( Leshya) at the time of death, it takes birth with same Leshaya in next life. Second  is "Anaharak" means no food is a must precondition for achieving salivation. No intake of food reduces all of his "Kashaya ' to a greater extent.

Out of six Leshyas --Krishna, Neel, Kapot, Tejo, Padma and Shukla-first three are bad and last three are good. The soul leaving body with Santara usually get one of last three of good feelings. Since in said Santhara, he accepts death with peace and without tension and the

confirms his faith in Jainism and salvation. Needless to add he gets new life in higher position in Deologa. We as ordinary lay man even
fear a small illness,while the soul opting for Santhara do not fear the
death but ready to welcome it. Death of a living soul is ultimate truth and who ever takes life as it comes and love truth do not fear death.

Shrawaks, Sadhaviji and Sadhuji who live life as per Jinwani most probably get hint in their last month and they start taking all cautious Pachkans and move towards great Santara  Vrata  without telling it to family members Let us salute such great and noble souls -----!!!.

JAI JINENDRA-----------!!!------------ JAI MAHAVEER--------!!!.

JAINISM-SAMKIT-THE ONLY TOOL TO LIMIT LIFE CYCLES-------!!!

As per Jainism a Bhavi ( eligible for salvation) soul is making the infinite cycles of life and death spread over number of Avasarpini and Utasarpini periods though his salvation is certain. Abhavi soul will not end those cycles by any means. If the Bhavi soul achieves Samkit, such number of cycles reduces to a countable cycles.Such souls can get salvation in 3 to 15 lives provided ,he does not fall to Mittatav and remain "Aaradhak" of Jinwani of Bhagwan Mahaveer. As an example all 24 Trithankars in total made 128 cycles after they have obtained Samkit. The total of those cycles in individual cases -

Rishabhdeoji--13, Shantinathji--12,Neminathji--09,Bhagwan Shri-
Parshvanathji-10. Mahaveerswami--27 and remaining Thirthankar Bhagwans 19-only -3 cycles each. Thus so such is an importance of Samkit--it gives the indications that the particular soul is close to salvation. Now let us see what is meant by Samakit. Samkit means correct- knowledge, faith and conduct. In simple and easy terms it
means to give up all wrong faiths if any and to believe only what
Bhagwan Mahaveer Swamiji and all Thirthankars taught in Jinwani.

A-Samkit in simple terms- If  one could not do a detailed study of Jainism due to busy schedule, to know Samkit one shall just learn following two Sutras, It is being given in Pratikamanpath. Namely
1--"Arihanto Mah Deo, Jawajjiwaye Susahano Guruno,
      Jinpannatam Tatam,Eah Sammat Maye gahiyam."It means 
Forever Arihanat Bhagwan is my only God, Suguru is my teacher and Religion prescribed by Kewali Bhagwan is my only one religion.

Samkit consist of correct knowledge, a vision and faith which can see and believe all things correctly exactly as told by Jineswardeo and correct conduct as prescribed by Jinwani of  all Thirthankars.  
2--Tamev Saccham Nishankam Jim Jinehim Pavehiyam-It means

What ever is told by Arihant Bhagwan is the only truth and truth is 
beyond any doubts. I believe it from bottom of my heart entirely.
With these two lines and faith one can introduce himself to Samkit.
Gradually as time permits one can go far more deep study. Basically know Navkarmantra and nine Tatvas Here your faith should be 100

% pure based on Jainism. One has to ignore sciences or any other faith or preacher. One of my friend is too innocent. He had a habit of bowing to all holy places or temples during his walking through city. Suguru while giving him oath of Samkit made it clear to him either he can go with Samkit or to give up the current practice he is doing.

When he asked Guru if his change of loyalty will cause curse from these Lokikdeo-Guru explained that no-if one study Bhagwatisutra, we can see all such Devata i.e. Shakendra. Chamrendra, Asurkumar and others came to meet Mahaveerbhagwan and offered respect to Him. A layman can be tested for Vhavahar Samkit if he has any of these five qualities--Shaym (equality of mind frame all condition
/situation, Sanveg (desire for salvation),Nirved ( aloof from world), ,Anukampa (kindness ) and Aastha (concerned for  all living souls).

B--Samkit deep study--- One who is interested for complete  study

of Samkit- shall visit 29th Sutra of Aagam-Uttaradyansutra. In the chapter Bhagwan Mahaveerswami has given 73 points for Samkit under the heading "Samyag Parakram Ke Bol." When one obtain correct faith and correct knowledge his behavior tends to be correct one -in Toto combination of three is called Samkit. Aacharya Shri Umasarswati in his summary of Jainism in Tatvarthsutra has given this brief for salvation-----------------------------!!!----------------!!!

In Bhagwatisutra Shatak Three-Bhagwan has given three classes for Samyagdrishti---Sayant (Sarag and Vitrag), Sayantasayat (Shrawak) and Asayant( not taking any Vrata but believes in Jainism). More details of Samkit can be studied from from famous book named as

Jaintatvaprakash" a masterpiece on Jainism by Aacharya Shri Puj. Amolakrushiji. It contains seven types of Samyakatva,3 Lings,five

Dosha,five virtues and 10 interests-total 12 Bol. If we delay Samkit- more cycles are to be passed through to obtain salvation. So just find out time and aim to have Samkit barring  totalMityatva as soon as possible. We must endorse that it is only truth what Bhagwan told
A small  portion of Samkit vow one must remember to chat daily.
"Deo Arihant,Guru Nirganth (Without any possession) Kewali
Bhashit Dayamaya Dharma-Ye 3 Tatva Sar Sar.Sansar Asar"
Bhagwant Maharaj Aapka Marg Satya.Satya.Satya hai".One most beautiful benefit of touching Samkit is that the particular soul never built Karma's "Sthithi" more than one "Krorakori" Sagar. It ensure that in "Ardha Pudgal Paravartan Kaal" he gets salvation.

Friends to understand what is real Samkit and what are the various
wrong practices which spoil Samkit ,one needs self reading and a
deep thinking .I have limitations. Even if I knew, by reading that a particular thing is spoiling one's Samkit, I cannot dare to write it. As
my readers belong to all branches of Jainism. I need to take care for
their faith and feelings. Better one can read and conclude the twenty five types of Mitthyatva given in Pratikaman to purify Samkit. Just note without believing and following Jinwani Moksha is impossible.

JAI JINENDRA---------!!!------- JAY MAHAVEER------------!!!.

JAINISM----HARDCORE CRITIC OF JAINISM -------------!!!.

When I discuss Jainism with others I come across so many views. Some like it ,Some just listen, Some shows some interest, some rejects it and so on. One of my close friend is a hard core critic of Jainism. I do not mind criticism for Jainism since in bottom of my heart, I knew that there is not a single word in Jainism which is untrue as it is told by Kevaldyani Bhagwan. I am fortunate to have it.

There may be flaws in interpretation done by human beings. In spite of our friendship, I failed to change his opinion till now. He has two major objections for Jainism together with other small ones. His major objections-I discuss with readers in following lines, they are-.

1-Jainism main theory is based on invisible elements like Karma and souls. In this modern age and such advanced science, how one can believe things without proofs. Once organs like brain, heart, kidney fail to function- death occurs, there is no soul. Science has conducted experiments to catch image of soul while departing from body with most advanced cameras but not succeeded. Neither there is absolute any weight loss in body living and just died one. Most advanced weighing machines cannot note any micro milligram change in the room.Whole basis of soul is unfounded. Same is case with Karma. Nobody has seen single particle out of 8 Karma. They are said to be non living, then how can they affect living souls ? Just impossible !.

2-Jainism emphasis too much on sacrifice and limits enjoyment of present life. Who knows if there is next life or not ?. Jainism create fear of death in current life and advises for happiness in next unknown cycles. Let us enjoy the present without bothering future.

 I tried to pacify him with some discussions like- we cannot see air but science is just considering oxygen essential for survival.. Neither we can see fragrance or butter in milk. Just  due to it's invisibility, we cannot refuse it's existence. If karma theory is wrong ,why all living things are not in equal status of happiness. There must be some real reason for disparity in each one of us. It cannot be other than Karma.
All my discussion failed to change his views. Since he was a friend of mine ,I wanted him to live life with correct faith. I was looking for

a correct chance. I got the opportunity which forced him to rethink.
 One fine morning ,I asked him whether he can spare some time for me and accompany me to hospital ,where I want to meet my ailing relative. He agreed instantly. We both went and met the relative. Once it was over, I asked him whether he will mind to have some more visits to other wards. First he gave me a too cold look. Then he laughed at me and said he must credit my sense of humor, It is hospital and not a garden to pass time, he hinted. But any how he came along with me. I simply took him along with me. Without speaking a word ,we returned home after visiting some ailing patient.

As usual we met in the evening. He was silent. I asked him now can you please recollect what we saw in hospital. We recollected various patients. From infants to old one. All type of patients. Their pain and suffering has no reason. We discussed all the flash back of hospital.

A small baby was suffering due to valve problem of heart. Another young lady was taking chemotherapy to treat her breast cancer. A patient was fully plastered for various bone fractured due to severe accident. The total scenario was beyond words .I felt, there is no better place than hospital, if one has to find meaning of life while he is normal. It can be a good lesson which can force us to rethink.
I just asked him ,what you think for the kid--- suffering from heart disease-? She is just too small and too innocent to commit any sin in current life, thus there is no other reason than Karma theory for her sufferings. Also it implies  that we all had history of previous lives.

How it can be our  first only life ?There is offering in store for us. 
Her balance of good deeds offered her correct medical diagnosis and parent who can afford such treatment. Otherwise so many infants dies in interior villages with out admission to hospitals. .All patients are struggling for life. They have hope and basic faith in some of religion. They are now committed to good deeds and good Karmas once they are discharged I feel. I was also looking at his expressions.

So one need not to go through all such sufferings to know meaning of life. We are lucky to have Guide in form of Jainism. It can guide to end all sufferings by attaining salvation. So just do not engage in unwanted doubts and live life in correct knowledge and faith.
Just see life of Mahaveer Bhagwan--he was a prince of a kingdom and not a ordinary person, Such a wealthy and knowledgeable man must have gave up all comforts of life and  became monk for definite

reasons. Salvation is not possible with enjoyment of organs. Great soul like him can lead a simple life restricting pleasures of organs what is meaning of our so called enjoyment ?Worth to give all up.
He stood up asked if he could have some books on Jainism since he wanted to study it. I hugged him and favored him with some books with a smile and satisfaction in my eyes.. Time will tell if he remains critic of Jain religion, Karma theory or changes for better devotee.

JAI JINENDRA------------!!!--------JAI MAHAVEER-----------!!!.

JAIJINENDRA----------!!!------------- JAI MAHAVEERA----!!!.

JAINISM-- TRUE TRIBUTE TO BHAGWAN MAHAVEER-----------!!!

Today i.e.on 13/04/2014 we have celebrated Mahaveer Jayanti with full enthusiasm. With processions, sweets, music and gathering etc. we offered our respect to the soul who attained salvation. For more than 2600 years ,this great soul is showing us the path to keep away from sins and march on road of salvation. His teaching is the only light in darkness. It is constantly keeping devotees away from sins.

But just think whether a single day celebration is enough for this great guide-- --?. With it there will be no difference of Mahaveer Jayanti and Jayanti of others. A true homage is to remember his teachings for balance of 364 days. I just suggest if we take following five vows today to mark our respect to the great soul ,it can keep us marching ahead on his road.A small contribution from our end.
Just decide today we will take care of following for a year So many of us might be doing so many things set by Jainism but viewers who are new to it can decide minimum steps suggested on following lines .

1--To take care for insects while walking  -- -----------------------------------.                                                                                          

2-To offer grains to birds--------------------------------------------------.

 3-To offer water to birds--------------------------------------------------.

4-To decide not to pluck flowers----------------------------------------.

5-To decide not to walk on grass----------------------------------------.

These all are small things compared to road ahead and not involve much amount of efforts. But it will establish that as Bhagwan's true followers, we cares for other living creatures. So many other small things can be added to list but I reserve it for next Jayanti. Best of luck for your future performance. Let us care for small living souls.

JAI JINEDRA---------!!!----------- JAI  MAHAVEER--------!!!.

       

8TH LIVING WONDER---JAIN MONK/SADHU&SADHVIJI---------!!!

We all have know about 7 wonders of this world. They all are being material things created by extra ordinary human beings. But if one studies life and conduct of Jain monks. he will definitely conclude

that they deserves this caption. Here with I give reasons for giving it thoughts by viewers. Jain Sadhus have taken oath of five Mahavratas once they take Diksha/Sanaayas till life. These principle Vartas are

Nonviolence, Truth, Non theft .Bramacharya  and non-possession.
They never breaks any of vows irrespective of  any circumstances.

They are also governed by another seven Vratas. If we study the living with following of these great Mahavrathas. we can know the most difficult path that they have selected to walk for whole of life.
Monks are full of 27 virtues. Bhagwan has told that in the universe the minimum Sadhus will be 2000 crores with limit for maximum 9000 crores. Let us have a look at their conduct and living pattern.

1-Non violance- For it they walk bare footed, use cloth over mouth while speaking and use "Punjani " a specially made broom so that 
their walking, talking sitting or sleeping, do not cause killing or harm to even small creatures. Even in hot day of summer they walk all  by without shoes. When I compare myself with them I feel sorry to use costly leather shoes .changing cars in each year, use of comforts air-
conditioner for sleeping and using mobiles and not covering mouth 

Electrical energy creation requires killing lot of creatures of air, fire and water, to avoid sins of such killing they have adopted this life style. While walking they take care not to touch even grass or any tiny insects. Their only object is to save tiny living souls on ground.
2-Truth/Satya-- Jain Monk always speak truth. If any event contains some element of contingency, they have to provide for it in their talk. For example if they want to move to another place-they will say that that they plan such movement if every thing goes well. Bhagwan has classified language in two type-one Sawa-Dyha and another one is

Nirvedhya. They always use Nirvedya language avoiding former one
They speak always truth or near to truth. In lectures if any difficult meaning is involved--then they use--I feel it like this way but truth is only known to Kevaldyani Bhagwan as they see in noble Kewaldyan.

3-Non-Theft-They always bound by non theft principle. They do not take any thing without permission of it's owner. Even if they come across any valuable they cannot pick it up. A small piece of grass is prohibited for picking up though needed urgently. Even for entry to place of Stanak or Upashraya is to be done by permission of Sangh or Shrawaks. Thus for using material, they always need permission.

4-Bramacharya----They cannot have any kind of relationship with opposite gender. Most Sadhu or Sadhviji are unmarried bachelors. If one takes Dikha after marriage he/she has to treat the ex-spouse as brother/sister. They can not talk or see opposite gender after sunset of a particular day. A slight touch of opposite gender  requires self punishment as prescribed by Aagam  and is called as the "Praychit".
5-Non-possession--- They have to give up all wealth owned. They can keep only white clothes ,specified utensils and specially made broom only. The clothes length is specified. It also includes clothes to cover while sleeping in all seasons including winter. Digamber Sadhus even do not wear clothes. They cannot control any wealth directly or indirectly. They do not have homes and do not cook food. They wonder over area to  area to have food and water from another Shravaks provided such food is not made with their probable arrival in mind. It is termed as "Gochari".Monks do not accepts tiffin given.

Just think no home.no family, no possession only holy books study and guidance from Guru. With it they are spreading path of Jainism for salvation to all fellow brothers and sisters. How difficult is their journey for salvation ---? Really they are above  the term "wonder".
Just look at us or masses -everybody running after money, maximum comfort and circle of relatives and friends. Now one will agree that-"Yes" they are the real wonder on earth. I salute them from bottom of my heart. I regret, I could not walk on such difficult path due to lack

of knowledge and daring coupled with will power of soul. Bhagwan
even not allowed them to wear footwear. The reason is being that
if they walk without it. they will take more care for self feet. In the process, they will walk with eye wide open and protecting small ants.
The glorious sun of Jain religion-Bhagwan Mahaveer arranged the
Jain Sadhu to act as street light for Shrawak. In darkness caused by
negative atmosphere, monk shows us the right path of Bhagwan.

 Jainism proudly compare Sadhus with ship which cross the big ocean without sinking along with passengers .Like it ,Sadhu reach destination of salvation along with his followers .One thing is sure only special souls, with lot of balance of good deeds can only select such path to seek salvation. They deserve all great appreciations-!!!.

                                             ये संत बडे़ ही निराले है ! जिनशासन के उजाले है !
                          इनकी महिमा क्या गाये हम सबको तिराने वाले है ! 

                          वीर के कोहिनुर हिरों को वंदन है अभिनंदन है---- ! 

 JAI JINENDRA--------!!!------------- JAI MAHAVEER------!!!.