Anshana is a type of tapasya in Jain Dharma, meaning voluntary fasting unto death or total renunciation of food and drink at the end of life, done with detachment and pure spiritual intent.

Types related to Anshana

In Jain tradition, Anshana is generally understood in these ways:

1. Sthool Anshana

- Complete giving up of food and water.

1. Sukshma Anshana

- Very subtle or near-complete fasting with advanced spiritual restraint.

1. Sallekhana / Santhara

- The most well-known Jain form of holy fasting at the end of life, undertaken when death is near and the soul is prepared through equanimity.

Important Jain principle

Anshana is not suicide. It is accepted only when done:

• with non-attachment
• with peace and forgiveness
• after giving up passions
• under proper spiritual discipline

In Jain Dharma, the goal is purification of the soul, not bodily suffering.

If you want, I can also explain different types of tapasya in Jainism in a simple chart.