Sallekhanā (also called Santhārā or Prayopagamana) is a sacred Jain vow of peacefully and gradually renouncing food and bodily supports near the natural end of life, with full awareness and equanimity. “Lekhāna” means thinning—here, thinning both the body and, more importantly, the passions (anger, pride, deceit, greed). It is undertaken to reduce karmas and depart with samata (perfect calm).

Key points

• Who may take it: Both monks/nuns and laypeople, when death is naturally near due to incurable illness, extreme old age, or unavoidable calamity.
• Intention: Neither desire for death nor for continued life—only pure detachment and acceptance of the soul’s journey.
• How it is done: With guidance/permission of the spiritual teacher, one seeks forgiveness from all, settles worldly duties, gives up possessions and attachments, and gradually reduces intake (from restricted diet to complete fast), focusing on pratikraman, samayik, meditation, Navkār mantra, and forgiveness.
• What it is not: It is not suicide. Suicide is driven by delusion and passions; sallekhanā is a vow performed with right faith, restraint, and serenity.
• Scriptural standing: Approved in Jain scriptures and commentaries as a high vrata of saṃyama and tapas meant to shed karmas and leave the body in a state of pure equanimity.

Digambar and Śvetāmbara views

• Both traditions accept sallekhanā as a noble vow.
• Minor procedural differences exist (e.g., specific permissions, liturgical recitations), but the essence—detached acceptance of the inevitable end and steady purification—remains the same.

Essential observances

• Kṣamāpanā: asking and granting forgiveness to all.
• Tyāga and Aparigraha: relinquishing claims, possessions, and attachments.
• Dharmadhyāna: uninterrupted reflection on the soul, cultivating non-violence and non-attachment till the last breath.

For simple overviews and FAQs on Santhārā/Sallekhanā, you may refer here: