Sallekhana

Sallekhana (IAST:sallekhanā), also known as Samlehna, Santhara, Samadhi-marana or Sanyasana-marana; is a supplementary vow prescribed by the ethical code of conduct of Jainism. It is a practice of thinning human passions and the body by gradually reducing the intake of food and liquids which culminates in voluntary death. The duration of the practice can vary from few days to years. It is prescribed both for ascetics and householders.Sallekhana is allowed when normal religious life is not possible because of old age, incurable disease or when a person is nearing their death. This practice is debated as it is a right to life and freedom of religion issue. In 2015, the Rajasthan High Court banned the practice, considering it suicide. On 31 August 2015, the Supreme Court of India stayed the decision of the Rajasthan High Court and lifted the ban on sallekhana.

There are five vows prescribed to followers of Jainism; Ahimsa (non-violence), Satya (not lying), Asteya (not stealing), Brahmacharya (chastity), and Aparigraha (non-possession). A further seven supplementary vows are also prescribed, which include three Gunavratas (merit vows) and four Shiksha vratas (disciplinary vows). The three Gunavratas are: Digvrata (limited movements regarding directions), Bhogopabhogaparimana (limiting use of consumable and non-consumable things), and Anartha-dandaviramana (refraining from harmful occupations and activities). The Shikshavratas include: Samayika (vow to meditate and concentrate periodically), Desavrata (limiting movement to certain places for a fixed period of time), Prosadhopavāsa (fasting at regular intervals), and Atihti-samvibhag (vow of offering food to the ascetic and needy people).

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