Sallekhana in Jainism

|THE DEN|

Sallekhana or Santhara is the religious vow to gradually reduce food and fluid intake observed by terminally ill or elderly Jain disciples. It is commonly referred to as fasting unto death as there is a reduction in food intake. It is practiced with the consent of Jain monks and can last for more than 12 years or more. According to Jain Dharma philosophy Sallekhana is a nonviolent way to detach from this life and prepare for the next while purifying the soul.

It is old or terminally ill people who usually resort to Santhara, and allowing a person to suffer without medical assistance, food or water is indeed inhuman. Jains, however, argue that it is a voluntary act of rational thinking and marks the beginning of a journey toward understanding the inherently painful and flawed nature of earthly existence.

However, this practice appears to be inhumane, insensitive, and harsh to a distant observer, but for a Jain follower, it is of utmost importance to become one with God before leaving this world. Yes, I agree that it is a part of a socio-religious culture and is done voluntarily and in the right state of mind. But at the same time in today's world, we cannot ensure whether the reason for a person committing santhara is attaining moksha or finding an easy way out of his worldly problems. It can also not be ensured whether the person is doing it in the right state of mind or free from any pressure. And even if the person is doing it voluntarily to attain moksha still, Is a person taking his life ethical? Shouldn't it be called suicide?