santhara jain way of death with equanimity
TRANSCRIPT
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End of Life Today in America 80% die in hospital while majority want to die at
home Few talk to doctor/clergy/family about end of life Most patients inadequately prepared for end of
life Patients ultimately fear death, rather than
prepare for death No standard process-ritual in the dying process
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Death from the Eastern Perspective
What do ancient Eastern scriptures say about the process for End of Life?
Focus on key aspects of the dying process?
How to incorporate elements of this dying process in today’s world?
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Dying with Equanimity- - Eastern Perspective
Advance ones spirituality by minimizing karmic bondage and attain salvation
Last moment of life are critical to determine future incarnations
Death should be passionless and death while in meditation.
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Death with Equanimity– core components
Having a spiritual guide Must meet conditions for a spiritual
death DETACHMENT from material
possessions FORGIVENESS/Thankfulness to all MEDITATION on to death.
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What is Jainism?
Jainism is one three core Eastern Religions with 10 million adherents.
Jains have three core practices:Non-Violence ( Ahimsa) is compassion and forgiveness in thoughts, words,
and deeds towards all living beings. For this reason, Jains are vegetarians. Non- Absolutism (Anekantvad) is respecting views of others. Jains encourage
dialog and harmony with other faiths.Non-Possessiveness (Aparigraha) is the balancing of needs and desires, while
staying detached from our possessions.
Jains believe in the existence of a Soul – in each living being – which is eternal and divine.
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Conditions for, Santhara or Sallekhana: Dying with Equanimity
When should one seek santhara? According to the Jain tradition four situations permit santhara.
An unavoidable calamity, Upasarga A great famine, durbhiksa Old age with failing health ,jara Terminal illness in which death in
imminent, Nihpratikara ruja.
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Performing the Spiritual Death, santhara:How should santhara be performed?
1. The person makes the decision to die and declares it publicly (distinguishing it from suicide or traumatic emotional act done in anguish)
2. The person obtains forgiveness and forgives others for any harmful actions in their life.
3. The person takes a vow of death after discussion of the present condition with a saint.
4. The person meditates on the innermost self, the soul. 5. The person gradually abstains from solid food, liquids and
then water. 6. The person goes into meditation as the soul releases from
the body
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How is Santhara different from Suicide? – Ask 4 key questions.
Was the death premeditated? Was the death consented to by the
individual or family members? Was the death purposeful? Did the dying process follow a ritualistic
tradition?
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Various Forms of Death
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Forgiveness in Jain Tradition
Day of Forgiveness – Kshavani Day Person asks for forgiveness Person gives forgiveness
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End of Life – What can Eastern Religions offer?
Acceptance
Preparations
Process– Detachment– Forgiveness– Meditation