Panning Rajasthan HC order that termed the practice illegal, community members say the philosophy needs to be understood first
The recent Rajasthan High Court order that tagged Jain practice Santhara as illegal has met with stiff criticism from the Jain community. The practice involves voluntarily and gradually ending life by systematic fasting.
Describing Santhara as part of religion and not suicide, Jains said it needed to be understood first. "Basically, the practice of Santhara is similar to Samadhi in Hindus. The word has been used in ancient Jain texts of philosophy. Santhara is not about dying of hunger or thirst. It is about letting go of sensual pleasures and passions, greed, anger, deceit and ego. It is different from suicide. A person cannot undertake Santhara unless he or she has permission from the family and an ascetic," said Dr Bipin Doshi, a resident of Vile Parle and a teacher of Jain philosophy at the University of Mumbai.
A Sthanakwasi (member of a sect of Svetambara Jainism) himself, Doshi prefers to limit himself to teaching Jain philosophy. Sthanakwasis, though small in number, have most instances of people undertaking Santhara. Doshi's father did it several years ago. The purpose, they opine, is of the body to engage in spiritual activity for liberation.
"We first denied him the permission. Later, the family members were convinced that he was fit for it. An ascetic was called, who finally gave him the permission," said Doshi.
This requirement of permission is the crucial difference between Santhara and suicide, according to the Jain community. The members added that it is different from euthanasia as well, in generally someone else makes the decision of ending a life, while Santhara is voluntary.
"Santhara is not impulsive, unlike suicide. In the Constitution, Article 25, 29 and 30 give one the right to religion," said advocate Dhanpal Sonalnki, a Shwetambari Jain, who is also of the opinion that suicide and Santhara cannot be compared.
"The order is not acceptable to the Jain community. I think it will be challenged. A spiritual activity has been described as suicide. People have not understood Jainism," said Nishit Turakia, another Sthanakwasi and a resident of Matunga.
WHAT IS SANTHARA
A person should voluntarily develop an inclination towards Santhara
The person's age and health are evaluated
The family members are asked for permission
If they are convinced, an ascetic is called, who then takes into account the mental and spiritual health of the candidate, before giving permission
The ascetic also helps the person take several vows, including the one to not have food and water for a few days
If mentally and spiritually fit, the number of days are extended till the person's death
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