Below is the simplest, tradition‑true way a householder may take Santhara/Sallekhanā pachkhan in an extreme emergency when no Guru/Sangh is physically available. It respects both Śvetāmbara and Digambara maryādā. If any elder/śrāvaka is present, they may act only as a witness; the vow is from the devotee’s own śraddhā.

Important spirit

• Intent must be sarala, without fear, anger, or despair.
• It is a vrata of kṣamā, saṃyam, aparigraha, and tyāga of raga‑dveṣa, not an act of self‑harm.
• If at any moment right guidance becomes available, accept it immediately.

1) Prepare the place and self

• Bathe or wipe clean; wear simple white cloth.
• Sit in samāyik āsan, kayotsarga, or, if too weak, lie straight on a clean white sheet.
• Place Navkar/Siddhachakra or Jina image nearby (if available).
• Keep the mind in Navkar remembrance.

2) Do kṣamāpanā (seeking forgiveness)

• Recite Navkar Mantra slowly 3 or 9 times.
• From the heart say: “For all faults by mind, speech, and body, towards all jīvas, Micchāmi Dukkaḍaṃ.”
• Mentally forgive all beings.

3) Self‑pachkhan (taking the vow) — simple, accepted form Say clearly (aloud if possible; otherwise in mind), invoking the Pañca‑Parameṣṭhī as witness:

• Śvetāmbara wording (simple English with key terms):

“Before Arihanta, Siddha, Ācārya, Upādhyāya, and all Sādhus as my witness, with samyak-bhāva I take the Santhara (Sallekhanā) vow for the remainder of this life. From this moment, as per my strength, I renounce food and water, all attachment and aversion, observe mauna as possible, and remain in pratikramaṇ, dhyāna, and Navkar-smaraṇa. I uphold ahiṃsā, satya, asteya, brahmacarya, and aparigraha in thought, word, and deed. If due to weakness my mind becomes unsteady, this vow remains firm. Micchāmi Dukkaḍaṃ.”

• Digambara wording (simple English with key terms):

“Having right faith, I take the Sallekhanā-saṅkalpa in the presence of Pañcanamaskāra. From now, according to capacity, I give up all āhāra and pāna, abandon rāga and dveṣa, keep kayotsarga and māuna, and stay absorbed in dhyāna, pratikramaṇa, and contemplation of the Siddha. I will maintain the five vows in mind, speech, and body till the end of this life. If steadiness returns or Guru becomes available, I shall follow their ājñā. Khamemi savve jīvā.”

(If you prefer to speak in your mother tongue, say the same meaning faithfully.)

4) Minimum daily sādhana after the vow

• Navkar smaraṇa; reflect on the 12 bhāvanās; remain in kṣamā, mārdava (humility), ārjava (straightforwardness).
• Keep māuna as possible; avoid touch/possession‑thoughts; do not discuss worldly matters.
• If breath and voice permit, recite:

- Śvetāmbara: Chattāri Maṅgalam, Logassa sutra, Khamāsamaṇ sutra. - Digambara: Pañcanamaskāra, Logassa, Jinasahassranāma or ārādhanā gāthās.

• Offer universal forgiveness again and again: “Khāmemi savva jīvā, savve jīvā khamantu me.”

5) On food, water, and supports

• Traditional sallekhanā means complete renunciation of food and water when the end is imminent. If strength is slightly present, one may step down (boiled water only → nirjala), always reducing, never increasing.
• Do not seek taste, remedies, or stimulants for comfort’s sake. Keep only that which sustains awareness if truly needed.
• Decisions about any medical supports should be taken by the devotee (or guardian) with a detached mind and in line with local law; Jain maryādā emphasizes inner non‑attachment over prolonging bodily sensations.

6) If completely alone

• Take the vow exactly as above, but add: “Pañca‑Parameṣṭhī and my own conscience in right faith are my witness.”
• Keep the place peaceful; if possible, inform family that you are in a vow of silence and prayer.

7) If mind flickers or pain rises

• Return to slow Navkar mantra and kayotsarga.
• Re‑affirm: “I renounce rāga‑dveṣa; I abide in the soul’s nature.”
• Re‑state the vow briefly if needed.

Notes on sect nuances (kept simple)

• Śvetāmbara usage prefers the term “Santhara” alongside “Sallekhanā,” takes pachkhan with Navkarvāṇī/Siddhachakra as witness, and often includes Khamāsamaṇ/Pratikramaṇ pāṭha.
• Digambara usage prefers “Sallekhanā-saṅkalpa,” emphasizes kayotsarga and dhyāna with Pañcanamaskāra as pramāṇa; step‑down of āhāra is commonly noted until final nirjal.

Helpful basics on Santhara/Sallekhanā and Pachkhan

• About Santhara/Sallekhanā
• How pachkhan is taken (general idea and spirit)

May the devotee’s final bhāva be utterly pure. Arihanta-Siddha bhakti, kṣamā, and equanimity are the true essence of this vow. Micchāmi Dukkaḍaṃ.