Book Title: ISJS Jainism Study Notes E5 Vol 04
Author(s): International School for Jain Studies
Publisher: International School for Jain Studies
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4.7.1 Circumstances under which Planned End of Life Justified in Jaina Philosophy
• Untreatable diseases where death is inevitable and where all possible medical
remedies have been tried. • Extreme old age where life is physically not livable. • Irremediable natural calamity like fire, plane crash, drowning
4.7.2 Process Depending upon the time available at ones disposal the following process is prescribed.
1. Mentally, physically and verbally giving up:
• All attachments and aversions (except basic needs) from all family and friends. • All anger, ego, deceit and greed.
. All violence, lying, stealing, passions and sensual desires. 2. Have feeling of equanimity and compassion with all living beings. 3. Analyse and repent of all bad deeds done during the lifetime. 4. Give up feeling of fear, animosity, hatred and unhappiness. 5. Keep silence as much as possible. 6. Gradually decrease the intake of food:
• From 3 meals a day to 2 meals to 1 meal • Then limit intake to milk, juices and water
. Then gradually water only and finally nothing. 7. Spend maximum time reciting verses.
Jainism tries to answer the questions of physician assisted suicide and death with dignity by voluntarily making the decision to plan Sallekhan . This is very similar to a non-written directive, after the opinion of physician that there are no possible options of treatment.
Comments Jain philosophy bases its ethics on principal doctrine of non-violence and so all ethical questions are validates according to the level and intention of the act. Similarly when we analyze any issue, Jains will use the doctrine o multiplicity of viewpoints (Anek nta) to analyze the problem and then come up with conflict resolution.
References:
[1]
1. Sarv rtha-siddhi verses 7/22 pages 363-374 Bhartiya Jn napith Delhi 1955. 2. Bhagwati Aradhna By Sakharam Doshi 1935 pages 71-74, 204-423.
Ratnakaranda Shravakachar Verses 202 to 221.
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STUDY NOTES version 4.0
