In Jainism, euthanasia is not allowed.

Very simply:

1. Ahimsa (non‑violence) is absolute

- To intentionally end a life (your own or someone else’s) is himsā (violence). - This includes: - Asking a doctor or family member to end your life - A doctor actively ending a life, even out of compassion - Even thinking “it would be better if this person died” is considered bhāva-himsā (mental violence) in Jain ethics.

1. Birth and death are decided by karma

- Jain philosophy says our āyu karma (lifespan-determining karma) fixes when this body will end. - Deliberately trying to bring death earlier or forcefully prolong it is seen as interfering with karma and is spiritually harmful.

1. Active euthanasia

- Giving an injection/medicine or doing any action with the intention “let this person die faster” is clearly forbidden. - It is direct violence and creates heavy new karma for all involved.

1. Passive euthanasia / “letting die”

- From a strict Jain dharma point of view, consciously deciding to stop life‑support with the intention to cause death is also a form of violence, because the intention is “let this life end.” - Jain texts and traditional teachers generally do not give religious sanction to any intentional step that separates jīva (soul) from the body.

1. How this differs from Sallekhanā (Santhārā)

- Many people confuse Jain Sallekhanā with euthanasia, but in Jainism they are completely different: - Aim of euthanasia: escape unbearable pain / suffering of this life. - Aim of Sallekhanā: spiritual purification, reduction of passions, acceptance of karmic destiny with samyak bhāva (right attitude). - Key points about Sallekhanā: - It is a religious vow, taken with full awareness, usually after a lifetime of practice. - It is done without anger, fear, depression or aversion to life. - Food is reduced gradually, with repentance, forgiveness, meditation and detachment. - Both Śvetāmbara and Digambara traditions accept Sallekhanā as a high spiritual practice, not as suicide or euthanasia, though specific rules and procedures may differ between sects.

1. Practical takeaway in Jain terms

- A Jain should not: - Request euthanasia - Approve or mentally support it - Help perform it on any living being - The dhārmic response is: - Care, nursing, and compassion - Reducing pain as far as possible without the intention to kill - Cultivating equanimity (samatā) and acceptance of karma, praying for the soul’s spiritual progress, not for “quick death”.

So, according to traditional Jain dharma and its core principle of ahimsa, euthanasia (active or intentional passive) is not permitted; it is considered violence and spiritually harmful, even when motivated by compassion.