The practice of Santhara or Sallekahna which is Jain way of dying with equanimity

1. Santhara- Jain way of dying with
equanimity
Manoj Jain M.D. M.P.H.
MJain.net@gmail.com
soul. focused.

2. End of Life Today in America
80% die in hospital while majority
want to die at home
Few talk to doctor/clergy/family about
end of life
Most patients inadequately prepared
for end of life
Patients ultimately fear death, rather
than prepare for death
No standard process-ritual in the
dying process

3. Death from the Eastern
Perspective
What do ancient Eastern scriptures say
about the process for End of Life?
Focus on key aspects of the dying
process?
How to incorporate elements of this
dying process in today’s world?

4. Dying with Equanimity- -
Eastern Perspective
Advance ones spirituality by minimizing
karmic bondage and attain salvation
Last moment of life are critical to
determine future incarnations
Death should be passionless and death
while in meditation.

5. Death with Equanimity– core
components
Having a spiritual guide
Must meet conditions for a spiritual
death
DETACHMENT from material
possessions
FORGIVENESS/Thankfulness to all
MEDITATION on to death.

6. What is Jainism?
Jainism is one three core Eastern Religions with 10 million
adherents.
Jains have three core practices:
Non-Violence ( Ahimsa) is compassion and forgiveness in thoughts, words,
and deeds towards all living beings. For this reason, Jains are vegetarians.
Non- Absolutism (Anekantvad) is respecting views of others. Jains encourage
dialog and harmony with other faiths.
Non-Possessiveness (Aparigraha) is the balancing of needs and desires, while
staying detached from our possessions.
Jains believe in the existence of a Soul – in each living being – which is eternal
and divine.

7. Conditions for, Santhara or
Sallekhana: Dying with Equanimity
When should one seek santhara?
According to the Jain tradition four
situations permit santhara.
An unavoidable calamity, Upasarga
A great famine, durbhiksa
Old age with failing health ,jara
Terminal illness in which death in
imminent, Nihpratikara ruja.

8. Performing the Spiritual Death, santhara:
How should santhara be performed?
1. The person makes the decision to die and declares it publicly
(distinguishing it from suicide or traumatic emotional act done in
anguish)
2. The person obtains forgiveness and forgives others for any
harmful actions in their life.
3. The person takes a vow of death after discussion of the
present condition with a saint.
4. The person meditates on the innermost self, the soul.
5. The person gradually abstains from solid food, liquids and
then water.
6. The person goes into meditation as the soul releases from
the body

9. How is Santhara different from
Suicide? – Ask 4 key questions.
Was the death premeditated?
Was the death consented to by the
individual or family members?
Was the death purposeful?
Did the dying process follow a ritualistic
tradition?

10. Various Forms of Death

11. Forgiveness in Jain Tradition
Day of Forgiveness – Kshavani Day
Person asks for forgiveness
Person gives forgiveness

12. End of Life – What can Eastern
Religions offer?
Acceptance
Preparations
Process
– Detachment
– Forgiveness
– Meditation