During that chaturmas, besides study, reflection and contemplation, the entire sangha also got the opportunity to witness four sallekhanas from close quarters and learn from them. The task requires great alertness and caution. Sallekhana is the ulltimate test of a seeker. It is not easy to control one's emotions and maintain their purity. The undertaking can be accomplished only if there is the right combination of merits accumulated in past births, present efforts and favourable external circumstances.
While having his ahar, a seeker, who had undergone the final sacrament of sallekhana, had an inexplicable craving for apple, a food that he had already renounced. Acharya Maharaj took stock of the situation and instructed that the desired fruit be given to him. The fruit was served, but the emaciated body of the seeker could manage to get very little inside. Most of it fell out. This caused him great sorrow and remorse.
He unburdened himself at the feet of Acharya Maharaj and solemnly renounced everything for the rest of his life Thereafter, his mind was tranquil and pure till the very end. He breathed his last articulating the Great Mantra. By the grace and guidance of Acharya Maharaj, the spirit of true renunciation pervaded his whole being.
Once again, he was firmly established in himself. We bowed with reverence before the qualities of a perfect niryapak ingrained in the personality of Acharya Maharaj.
Nainagiri (1982)
Niryapak - An Acharya, who officiates at the final sacrament of samadhi-maran or sallekhan
Edited by Vidyasagar.Guru