How Do You Spell SALLEKHANA?

Pronunciation: [sˌalɪkhˈɑːnə] (IPA)

Sallekhana is a Sanskrit term that refers to a Jain practice of voluntary fasting endurance, that is the process of peacefully giving up one's life. The word is spelled as [səleɪkɑna] in IPA phonetic transcription. The pronunciation of sallekhana is divided into three syllables: sal-le-kha-na, and the emphasis falls on the second syllable. The word has several alternative spellings, including sallekhana, sallekhanā, and santhara, but they all refer to the same voluntary fasting practice in Jainism.

SALLEKHANA Meaning and Definition

1. Sallekhana, also known as Sallekhanā or Samlekhana, is a Jain religious practice, specifically within the Shvetambara sect, in which a person voluntarily chooses to fast unto death, thereby purifying their soul and achieving salvation according to Jain teachings.

   The term "sallekhana" is derived from the Sanskrit words "salla" meaning a pointed iron spike or thorn and "ekhana" meaning a dwelling or resting place, emphasizing the self-inflicted nature of the practice. Sallekhana is seen as a form of severe penance where individuals give up food and gradually reduce their intake of water and other essentials until their body succumbs to exhaustion and eventually dies. This practice is undertaken by individuals who have reached an advanced age or have serious illnesses, and who have decided to seek liberation from the cycle of birth and death.

   Sallekhana is considered a highly revered act in Jainism, reflecting a deep level of detachment and spiritual accomplishment. It is seen as a way to purify one's mind, detach from worldly desires, and conquer physical suffering. However, it is strictly regulated within the Jain community, with specific rules and rituals that must be followed, such as seeking permission from spiritual leaders and performing preparatory acts of repentance and meditation.

   While sallekhana is often a topic of controversy and ethical debates within society, particularly regarding the practice of intentionally ending one's life, it is an integral part of Jain philosophy and remains a personal choice made by those seeking spiritual liberation within the Jain religious framework.

Etymology of SALLEKHANA

The word "sallekhana" has its origins in the Prakrit language, which is a Middle Indo-Aryan language. Its etymology can be traced back to the Sanskrit term "sallekhana", which is a combination of two Sanskrit words: "salya" meaning "dart" or "thorn", and "ekhana" meaning "to pull out" or "to root out".

"Sallekhana" is a Jain religious concept referring to the practice of voluntarily fasting to purify one's body and mind near the end of life. It is often considered a form of non-violence and detachment from the physical world. The term itself suggests the idea of "uprooting the thorns", symbolizing the removal of distractions and attachments in order to attain spiritual liberation.