Can we achieve spiritual enlightenment and liberation from the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth?
Can we liberate our Samsara?
The term “samsara” is a concept from Indian religions, including Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism. It refers to the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth that is believed to be perpetuated by the law of karma. According to these religions, beings are reborn into various realms of existence, including human, animal, and celestial realms, based on the accumulation of positive and negative karma from their past actions. The goal of spiritual practice in these traditions is to break free from this cycle of samsara and attain a state of liberation or enlightenment.
Yes, according to the beliefs of many Eastern spiritual traditions, including Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism, it is possible to liberate oneself from the cycle of samsara, which is characterized by birth, death, and rebirth. This is often referred to as achieving moksha, nirvana, kevala jnana, or mukti, depending on the tradition.
The path to liberation from samsara often involves spiritual practices such as meditation, self-inquiry, self-discipline, and the cultivation of virtues such as compassion, non-violence, and detachment. The aim of these practices is to purify the mind, dissolve the ego, and realize the true nature of the self, which is believed to be eternal, unchanging, and beyond the realm of samsara.
It is important to note that the path to liberation from samsara is not a one-size-fits-all approach, and there are many different paths and practices that can lead to this goal. Ultimately, it requires a deep commitment to spiritual growth, a willingness to let go of attachments to worldly desires and pleasures, and a consistent effort to cultivate spiritual virtues and insights.
Sellanthanka
A group of ancient Jain ascetics who were known for their extreme asceticism and self-mortification practices — Sellanthanka. The term Sellanthanka literally translates to “the one with a chain of bones,” which refers to the practice of wearing a chain made of bones around their necks.
Sellanthanka is a term used in Jainism to refer to the 14 stages of spiritual development that a practitioner must pass through on the path to liberation. These stages are believed to be a gradual process of shedding karmic impurities and developing spiritual virtues and insights.
The Sellanthanka were a sect of Jainism that emerged in India around the 3rd century BCE. They were influenced by the teachings of the famous Jain sage, Mahavira, who emphasized the importance of extreme self-denial and renunciation of worldly pleasures in order to attain spiritual enlightenment.
The Sellanthanka took this philosophy to an extreme, and their practices were considered by many to be highly controversial and even dangerous. Some of their practices included severe fasting, self-flagellation, and wearing uncomfortable clothing made of prickly plant fibers.
One of the most notable practices of the Sellanthanka was the use of the bone chain, which was made by stringing together the bones of dead animals or humans. This chain was worn around their necks as a symbol of their extreme asceticism and as a reminder of the transience of life and the impermanence of the physical body.
Despite the controversial nature of their practices, the Sellanthanka were highly respected within the Jain community for their commitment to the Jain path of non-violence and compassion. They were also known for their dedication to spiritual study and their deep knowledge of Jain scripture.
Over time, the extreme practices of the Sellanthanka began to be seen as less relevant to modern Jainism, and the sect gradually faded into obscurity. However, their legacy can still be seen in the continued emphasis on self-denial and spiritual study within the Jain community.
If you are interested in learning more about Sellanthanka, there are several resources available online and in print that can provide more information. Some recommended sources include:
- Jainpedia — This is a comprehensive online encyclopedia on Jainism that covers a wide range of topics, including Sellanthanka. It provides detailed information on each stage and the spiritual practices associated with them.
- The Jain Path — This is a book by Dr. K.C. Jain that provides an overview of Jain philosophy and practice, including Sellanthanka. It is a helpful resource for those new to Jainism or looking to deepen their understanding of the tradition.
- Jainworld — This is a website that provides a wealth of resources on Jainism, including articles, books, and videos. It also has a section dedicated to Sellanthanka, which provides an overview of each stage and their significance.
What was the purpose?
The purpose of the Jain Sellanthanka’s extreme asceticism and self-mortification practices was to achieve spiritual enlightenment and liberation from the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth, which is known as samsara in Jainism.
According to Jain philosophy, the root cause of all suffering is attachment to worldly pleasures and desires. The Sellanthanka believed that by renouncing these attachments and subjecting themselves to extreme physical hardships, they could purify their souls and achieve a state of pure consciousness, known as kevala jnana.
The Sellanthanka also believed in the principle of ahimsa, or non-violence, which is a core tenet of Jainism. They believed that by practicing extreme self-denial and non-violence, they could minimize the harm they caused to other living beings and reduce their karmic burden, which would help them achieve spiritual liberation more quickly.
In addition to their spiritual pursuits, the Sellanthanka were also known for their charitable works, such as building and maintaining public wells and rest houses for travelers. These works were seen as a way to practice the Jain principle of seva, or selfless service, and to help alleviate the suffering of others.
Overall, the purpose of the Jain Sellanthanka’s extreme practices was to achieve spiritual enlightenment and to lead a life of compassion and service to others, in accordance with the principles of Jainism.
#SpiritualEnlightenment #LiberationFromSamsara #Moksha #Nirvana #KevalaJnana #Mukti #EasternSpirituality #Meditation #SelfInquiry #Compassion #NonViolence #Detachment #ShareKnowledge #ExpandYourMind
If you find my content valuable and informative, I encourage you to follow my page and share it with others who may be interested. By doing so, you can help spread knowledge and awareness to a wider audience.
Additionally, if you have any specific topics or questions that you would like me to cover, please don’t hesitate to reach out. I am always happy to engage with my readers and provide insights that can be helpful in your personal and professional life.
Thank you for your support, and I look forward to continuing to share knowledge and insights with you.
