भिक्षुकाल के प्रभावक अनशन
Summary
The text discusses the concept of a peaceful end to life, with fasting (anashan) presented as the ultimate method for achieving mental peace and a dignified death. It emphasizes that the decision to undertake anashan should be based on wisdom rather than age, citing Acharya Bhikshu’s teaching that one should fast when food tastes like dirt. The Jain philosophy values both a balanced life and a peaceful death, viewing death as a measure of a successful life. The concept of continuous death (avichi-maran) is introduced, where life force is constantly diminishing, and it is suggested that this can be overcome through renunciation and penance, while final death can be made successful through anashan. The text highlights the tradition of Terapanth, which began with thirteen saints, but only six remained until the end, all of whom embraced a peaceful death through fasting and penance. It specifically details the lives of two saints, Munishri Thripalji and Munishri Fatehchandji, who were father and son. They were known for their renunciation, penance, and devotion to Acharya Bhikshu. Munishri Fatehchandji died after a long fast, breaking it with cold porridge, while Munishri Thripalji undertook a prolonged penance and santhara (a ritual fast unto death) lasting 11 days, which inspired great religious fervor among followers. The text also describes the final days of Acharya Bhikshu, the founder of the Terapanth order. He was a great ascetic who lived a life of constant travel and penance. In his final days, he gradually reduced his food intake, eventually accepting santhara. He remained in a meditative state, and after seven days of fasting, he died in a sitting meditation posture on Bhadrapad Shukla Trayodashi. His death was marked by a serene atmosphere and inspired devotion among all who witnessed it. The text concludes with a brief mention of Acharya Bharmalji, a
Conclusion
The document underscores that a peaceful end to life is universally desirable, with *anashan* (voluntary fasting unto death) presented as the supreme method for achieving a mindful and dignified death. It emphasizes that this practice is not bound by age but by personal discernment, as exemplified by Acharya Bhikshu, who advocated for it when life loses its spiritual purpose. The text highlights that both a balanced life and a composed death are valuable, with Jain philosophy offering profound training in the art of dying well. Through the detailed accounts of revered monks like Munis Shri Thirpalji and Fatehchandji, and the exemplary *samadhi-maran* of Acharya Bhikshu himself, the document illustrates that a successful life is ultimately measured by the quality of one's final moments. The outcome is a powerful testament to the Jain tradition's valorization of spiritual discipline over bodily attachment, where *anashan* becomes the ultimate expression of self-mastery and