Fasting Till Death Do Me Apart: Understanding the Jains Traditions of Santhara.

Santhara is a unique Jain practice where individuals voluntarily fast until death, reflecting their deep commitment to their faith. This tradition is rooted in the Jain values of non-violence and spiritual purity, offering a way to detach from the physical world and prepare the soul for liberation.

Through Santhara, Jains believe they can purify their karma and attain a higher spiritual state. Rather than being seen as morbid, this act is viewed as a brave decision, fully aligned with their spiritual beliefs. Witnessing or learning about Santhara can evoke deep reflection on life, death, and spirituality.

The History of Santhara

Santhara has ancient roots in Jainism, dating back to the religion's early scriptures, the Agamas, which outline its significance. Historically, both ascetics and laypeople practiced Santhara as a way to achieve moksha, or liberation from the cycle of rebirth. While this tradition has earned respect within Jain communities, it has also sparked controversy, especially as modern society grapples with the ethical implications.

In 2015, India’s Supreme Court recognized Santhara as a voluntary end-of-life choice, emphasizing its role as a religious act rather than suicide. Yet, this ruling also highlighted the ongoing tension between religious traditions and contemporary legal and ethical concerns.

Theological Beliefs: Karma, Moksha, and Non-Violence

Santhara is deeply tied to key Jain beliefs like karma, moksha, and non-violence (ahimsa). Karma represents the actions that affect one’s soul, with the ultimate goal being the release from karma through good conduct. Moksha is the freedom from the cycle of life and death, and by choosing Santhara, Jains aim to clear accumulated karma and move closer to moksha.

Non-violence, a core principle in Jainism, extends even to food and daily practices. Jains avoid foods uprooted from the ground, like onions and garlic, to prevent harming insects. Historically, Jains also refrained from bathing and shaving to avoid harming tiny organisms.

Santhara is viewed as an ultimate act of non-violence, a peaceful transition where individuals control their own life and death in a way that harms no other living being.

Legal and Ethical Considerations

The practice of Santhara has prompted legal and ethical debates, especially regarding its place in modern Indian law. While the practice is legally protected as a religious right, critics argue that it may clash with laws prohibiting assisted suicide or euthanasia. Jain leaders stress that Santhara is not suicide but a deeply spiritual, voluntary choice.

Family and Personal Reflections

In Jain culture, families play a crucial role in supporting loved ones who choose Santhara. They often gather together during the fasting period, providing emotional and spiritual support. Personal experiences of Santhara vary, with many feeling a profound sense of peace, while others may face emotional challenges.

Modern Challenges

Today, Santhara faces various challenges, from legal concerns to cultural shifts that value health and vitality. Generational differences also come into play, as younger Jains balance respect for tradition with modern beliefs. Despite these debates, many Jains remain steadfast in their belief in the spiritual significance of Santhara.

Cross-Cultural Comparisons

Fasting practices related to death are not unique to Jainism. In Hinduism, there is a practice called prayopavesa, where individuals nearing death stop eating to attain spiritual liberation. Similar fasting rituals can also be found in Buddhism and some Indigenous cultures, often serving as a rite of passage or a way to purify the mind and body.

Conclusion

Santhara remains a deeply significant spiritual practice in Jainism, symbolizing the renunciation of worldly attachments to achieve spiritual purity. While it faces modern legal and ethical scrutiny, for many Jains, it is a path to liberation and a profound expression of faith.