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Sallekhana (IAST: sallekhanā), also known as samlehna, santhara, samadhi-marana or sanyasana-marana,[1] is a supplementary vow to the ethical code of conduct of Jainism. It is the religious practice of voluntarily fasting to death by gradually reducing the intake of food and liquids.[2] It is viewed in Jainism as the thinning of human passions and the body,[3] and another means of destroying rebirth-influencing karma by withdrawing all physical and mental activities.[2] It is not considered a suicide by Jain scholars because it is not an act of passion, nor does it employ poisons or weapons.[2] After the sallekhana vow, the ritual preparation and practice can extend into years.[1]
Sallekhana is a vow available to both Jain ascetics and householders.[4] Historic evidence such as nishidhi engravings suggest sallekhana was observed by both men and women, including queens, in Jain history.[1] However, in the modern era, death through sallekhana has been a relatively uncommon event.[5]
There is debate about the practice from a right to life vs right to die and a freedom of religion viewpoint. In 2015, the Rajasthan High Court banned the practice, considering it suicide. In 2016, the Supreme Court of India stayed the decision of the Rajasthan High Court and lifted the ban on sallekhana.[6]
- ^ a b c Cite error: The named reference
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- ^ Vijay K. Jain 2012, p. 115.
- ^ Battin 2015, p. 47.
- ^ Dundas 2002, p. 181.
- ^ Cite error: The named reference
Milindwas invoked but never defined (see the help page).