Aid to dying: What Jainism -- one of India's oldest religions -- teaches us

[TexasTowelie]

On June 9, a law allowing patients with terminal illnesses to end their lives with help from a physician came into effect in California, opening conversations about whether human life should be prolonged against the desire to die peacefully and with dignity.

A similar yet different conversation has been taking place in India for the past several years, but in reverse.

In one of India’s religious traditions, Jainism, those at the end of life can choose to embrace a final fast transition from one body to another. However, a recent court case has challenged the constitutionality of this practice. As an expert in the religions of India and a frequent visitor, I have been following this issue with keen interest.

A rite to final passage

While on a visit to a Jain university in Ladnun, Rajasthan in western India in 1989, I had an opportunity to observe the practice of “Sallekhana” or “Santhara,” a somber rite through which one fasts to death.

Read more: http://www.mankatofreepress.com/cnhi_network/aid-to-dying-what-jainism----one-of/article_f44fed02-e67f-58ce-8baa-fd1383645d2b.html

[font color=330099]Note to everyone: This article is not to diminish the tragedy that occurred in Orlando today. My thoughts and sympathies are with those affected in the incident.[/font]

[Manifestor_of_Light]

1. What an interesting article! Thank you, Towelie!!

Eastern religions are fascinating to me. I read a lot of Hindu and Buddhist scriptures because it gives me a different outlook on life.

[TexasTowelie]

2. You're welcome.

It's one of those articles that I found by random chance. Unfortunately a lot of the most interesting articles never get any publicity beyond the local newspapers. I have not been exposed to much about Jainism myself even though I did take Intro to World Religions.