It is a ritual in Jainism, the concept of choosing the manner and time of one’s death is a centuries-old ritual.
Santhara means a fast unto death. ( Chandragupta Maurya was believe to performed Santhara in shravanabelagola in Karnataka )
A person after taking a vow of ‘Santhara’ stops eating and even drinking water and awaits death.
The devout Jains believe that Mahavira, the 24th Tirthankar, allowed Santhara, or Sallekhana, as the ultimate test of spirituality, will power, whose ultimate goal is purifying body and mind and facing death voluntarily.
According to the ritual, which Jains believe has been prevalent for thousands of years, a person voluntarily gives up food and water, either because of an incurable illness or due to the belief that the end is near.
It is reserved only for the old and the invalid and is practised rarely.
Jainism is one of the world’s most ancient religions, and Jain monks lead a life of extreme austerity and renunciation.
Some human rights activists say the ritual is “a social evil” and should be considered as suicide.
How is it different from suicide?
It is difficult to argue that Santhara is different from suicide or euthanasia.
In the end, the objective of all these concepts is death, the destruction of life and mortal body.
But, the Jains believe the difference is in the motivation for both the acts.
Suicide is a desperate measure, triggered by failure and setbacks in life; it is an act of cowardice, a surrender to the circumstance because of lack of will power. Suicideis a decision forced upon the person by external circumstances.
According to the Jains, Santhara is the exact opposite of Suicide .
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