New Delhi: Sallekhana or Santhara, meaning thinning out, is the Jain practice of facing death voluntarily at the end of one’s life, prescribed both for the householder and ascetics.
It’s a practice allowed only when a person is suffering from an incurable disease or great disability, or when a person is nearing the end of life. Santhara is a highly respected practice among the members of the Jain community.
There is a daily prayer for every devout member of the Jain community wherein he/she wishes to be able to face death after having taken the vow of Santhara. Due to the prolonged nature of Santhara, the individual is given ample time to reflect on life choices. The purpose is to purge old karmas and prevent the creation of new ones. According to a compendium of Jain principles, titled Tattvartha Sutra, “a householder willingly or voluntary adopts Santhara when death is very near.”
According to a survey conducted in 2006, on an average 200 Jains practice Santhara until death each year in India. Statistically, Santhara is undertaken both by men and women of all economic classes in the Jain community. Statistically, it is done by more women than men.
In around 300BC, founder of the Maurya Empire, Chandragupta Maurya, undertook Santhara atop the Chandragiri Hills in Karnataka. More recently, revered Digambar Jain saint Acharya Shantisagar undertook Santhara on August 18, 1955. He decided to take the vow in July, 1955, on account of his inability to walk without help and weak eyesight. He died on September 18, 1955.
