Sallekhana is a Jain practice of voluntary death through fasting, undertaken with a sense of detachment and spiritual purity. This practice is seen as a way to purify the soul and reduce karma by consciously embracing death at the end of life. Sallekhana is closely linked to Jain metaphysics, ethics, and epistemology, emphasizing the importance of intention and mindfulness in ethical conduct.
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Sallekhana is performed as an act of religious devotion, reflecting one's commitment to spiritual principles and the pursuit of liberation.
The practice is traditionally undertaken by individuals who are nearing the end of their life or facing terminal illness, allowing them to die with dignity.
Sallekhana emphasizes mental preparation and clarity of intention, ensuring that the individual approaches death without fear or attachment.
This practice is viewed as a means of reducing accumulated karma, thereby facilitating a more favorable rebirth or ultimately achieving moksha.
Jain scriptures outline guidelines for sallekhana, including recommendations for when and how it should be practiced to align with ethical principles.
Review Questions
How does sallekhana reflect the ethical principles of Jainism?
Sallekhana embodies Jain ethical principles by emphasizing non-attachment and mindfulness in the face of death. By voluntarily choosing to fast and embrace death, practitioners demonstrate a profound commitment to reducing their karma and achieving spiritual purity. This act aligns with the principle of Ahimsa, as it is performed with the intention of minimizing harm to oneself while consciously choosing the moment of one's passing.
Discuss how sallekhana interacts with the concepts of karma and moksha in Jain philosophy.
Sallekhana is intricately connected to the concepts of karma and moksha within Jain philosophy. By undertaking this practice, individuals aim to purify their souls and eliminate negative karmic influences before death. The conscious act of dying with intention allows for a more favorable rebirth or, ideally, liberation (moksha) from the cycle of birth and rebirth. Thus, sallekhana serves as both an ethical choice and a spiritual strategy within Jainism.
Evaluate the significance of sallekhana in understanding the Jain worldview regarding life, death, and spiritual practice.
Sallekhana plays a crucial role in illustrating the Jain worldview on life and death by highlighting the importance of intentionality and ethical conduct. In Jainism, life is seen as an opportunity for spiritual growth, and how one approaches death can significantly impact one's journey towards moksha. Evaluating sallekhana reveals how Jains view death not as an end but as a transformative process that can lead to liberation when approached with awareness and virtue. This perspective challenges conventional notions of mortality, encouraging adherents to engage deeply with their spirituality throughout their lives.