Sallekhana: The Jain Approach to Dignified Death

Book Detail:

• Brand: D.K. Printworld
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of Pages: 342
• Release Date: 01-01-2020
• EAN: 9788124610480
• Package Dimensions: 9.1 x 5.9 x 1.2 inches
• Languages: English

Description:
Jainism views life as eternal, with the soul undergoing cycles of rebirth. In this belief system, Sallekhana—a ritual of fasting unto death—is seen as a peaceful and voluntary way of embracing the transition from one life to another. This practice, with a history spanning over two millennia, became a subject of legal controversy in Rajasthan in 2013, where it was briefly declared illegal under allegations of coercion, particularly against women.

In response to this legal challenge, the International School for Jain Studies organized three major conferences, bringing together scholars and experts to discuss the legal, medical, and religious perspectives surrounding Sallekhana. This volume presents a multidisciplinary exploration of the practice, highlighting its historical references in ancient epigraphs, its parallels with end-of-life choices in Western traditions, and contemporary instances of its observance in India. With contributions from specialists across various fields, the book provides a comprehensive and thought-provoking analysis of Jain views on life, death, and spiritual liberation.

Author Details:

• Shugan Chand Jain is a renowned scholar specializing in Jain studies and philosophy, with a focus on ethics, rituals, and spiritual traditions.
• Christopher Key Chapple is a distinguished professor and researcher in Indian religions, particularly Jainism and Buddhism, known for his interdisciplinary approach to religious and philosophical studies.