Sallekhana

Sallekhana (also known as Santhara, Samadhi-marana, or Sanyasana-marana) is a religious practice in Jainism in which a person voluntarily chooses to fast to death by gradually reducing the intake of food and liquids. It is viewed in Jainism as the thinning of human passions and the body, and another means of destroying rebirth-influencing karma by withdrawing all physical and mental activities. It is not considered as a suicide by Jain scholars because it is not an act of passion, nor does it employ poisons or weapons.

Etymology

The term Sallekhana is a combination of two words sal (meaning 'properly') and lekhana, which means to thin out. Properly thinning out of the passions and the body is sallekhana.

Practice

The Sallekhana vow is a religious practice to reduce the human passions and the body's needs, gradually, in a methodical way. The duration of the Sallekhana vow can extend from a few days to years, and it is a voluntary act. The vow is viewed as a means to face with calmness any calamity that befalls.

Legality

The legality of Sallekhana has been a topic of debate in the 21st century. In 2015, the Rajasthan High Court banned the practice, considering it as a form of suicide. However, in 2016, the Supreme Court of India stayed the decision of the Rajasthan High Court and lifted the ban on Sallekhana.

See also

• Ahimsa in Jainism
• Jain philosophy
• Jainism and non-creationism

References

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