Fasting unto death according to the Jaina tradition
Journal name: Acta Orientalia
Original article title: Fasting unto death according to the Jaina tradition
ACTA ORIENTALIA is a journal focused on the study of Oriental languages, history, archaeology, and religions from ancient times to the present. The journal includes articles reviewed by a senior scholar in the relevant field.
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Summary of article contents:
1) Introduction
In this study, Colette Caillat examines the practice of voluntary death within the Jaina tradition, particularly through fasting (anasana) as a form of asceticism leading to salvation. The paper situates Jaina conceptions of voluntary death amidst broader Indian traditions, highlighting how Jainism uniquely delineates conditions under which suicide is permissible. This exploration reflects not only on religious texts but also on legends of saints who exemplified this practice.
2) Fasting unto Death (Anasana)
Fasting unto death, or anasana, is recognized as one of the supreme austerities (tapas) in Jainism. It is regarded as a legitimate form of voluntary death, sanctioned under strict conditions and with meticulous preparatory rules. The journey usually involves a long and progressive training in ascetic practices, culminating in a state of spiritual readiness to embrace death. This type of death is seen as a path to deliverance (mukti) or nirvana, distinctive from other forms of death that are regarded as foolish or unwise.
3) The Role of Legends in Jaina Tradition
The use of legends is significant in illustrating the ideals associated with voluntary death. The stories of saints, such as Khandaga, who freely opts for fasting unto death, serve as templates for lay followers and monks alike. These narratives frequently emphasize the preparatory stages necessary for attaining a so-called "wise man's death." This portrayal reinforces the spiritual rigor needed to ensure that one's death is spiritual, controlled, and aspiring towards ultimate liberation.
4) Differentiation Between Monastic and Lay Practices
While both monks and lay followers can undertake fasting unto death, the paths and narratives differ somewhat based on their social roles. For instance, the Uvasagadasão, which emphasizes lay practitioners, depicts rich merchants undertaking their vows in a manner paralleling the ascetic practices of monks. Importantly, both realms stress the significance of moral purity and spiritual readiness, though the monastic path often necessitates more rigorous preparations and vows.
5) Evolving Practices of Fasting unto Death
The rules surrounding fasting unto death have evolved, as seen in ancient texts such as the Ayar and later compilations like the Painnayas. Earlier texts required extensive training and strict observance of ascetic disciplines while later texts appear more accommodating, allowing ceremonies that can expedite the process of preparing for death. These changes suggest a shift in understanding, allowing for a shared experience between monks and laypeople and recognizing the need for spiritual guidance throughout the process.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Jaina tradition offers a structured approach to voluntary death through fasting, highlighting a unique synergy of asceticism, legendary exemplars, and evolving practices amidst a rich tapestry of Indian religious thought. Jaina perspectives on death advocate for careful preparation and moral integrity, aligning the act of dying with the pursuit of spiritual liberation. The tradition remains vital, influencing contemporary practices of fasting unto death among Jain practitioners, underscoring an enduring commitment to ascetic ideals.
Original source:
This page is merely a summary which is automatically generated hence you should visit the source to read the original article which includes the author, publication date, notes and references.
Collette Caillat
Acta Orientalia:
(Founded in 1922 and published annually)
Full text available for: Fasting unto death according to the Jaina tradition
Year: 1977 | Doi: 10.5617/ao.5131
Copyright (license): CC BY 4.0
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FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What is the main focus of Colette Caillat's paper?
The paper discusses the Jaina tradition of fasting unto death (anasana) as a specific form of voluntary death, contrasting it with views from other Indian religious traditions.
What is the Jaina community's stance on voluntary death?
The Jainas allow one specific form of voluntary death: fasting unto death, which is subjected to strict rules and must follow significant preparatory steps, highlighting its spiritual significance.
What significance does fasting have in Jaina beliefs?
Fasting is one of the supreme austerities (tapas) in Jainism, serving as a means to achieve spiritual purification and ultimately deliverance (moksha) from the cycle of rebirth.
How do Jaina legends portray voluntary death?
Jaina legends recount the lives of saints who attain 'wise man's death' (pandita-marana) through fasting, depicting their spiritual journeys and emphasizing the preparation required for such a significant act.
What role does the guru play in the fasting process?
The guru's presence and guidance are essential during the fasting unto death, providing support and instruction to ensure that the disciple's mind remains focused on spiritual themes at the time of death.
How is the process of fasting unto death structured?
The process typically involves three stages: perfect adherence to vows, increasing austerity, and finally, the actual fasting, accompanied by meditation and renunciation of worldly ties.
What evidence exists for fasting unto death practices in Jainism?
Historical evidence includes inscriptions commemorating individuals who fasted unto death, documented in various epigraphic examples from holy sites in India, showcasing the ongoing relevance of this ritual.
Glossary definitions and references:
Oriental and Historical glossary list for “Fasting unto death according to the Jaina tradition”. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of History, Linguistics, Religion, Philosophy, Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism etc.
1) Death:
Death in the Jaina tradition can occur in a highly controlled form as a result of fasting unto death, known as anasana, which is seen as a conscious and disciplined act [see source text or glossary: Death]
2) Jaina:
Jainas believe in the salvationist value of asceticism and often consider voluntary death through fasting a religiously significant act [see source text or glossary: Jaina]
3) Food:
In the Jaina context, food is often renounced as part of the practice of fasting unto death, one of the severe forms of austerity [see source text or glossary: Food]
4) Mahavira (Maha-vira):
Mahavira is a significant figure in Jainism whose teachings include principles related to voluntary death through fasting [see source text or glossary: Mahavira]
5) Spiritual:
The spiritual journey in Jainism often culminates in controlled death through fasting, intended to lead the soul toward deliverance [see source text or glossary: Spiritual]
6) Khandaga (Khamdaga):
Khandaga is a character in Jaina texts who exemplifies the ideal path to voluntary death through stringent ascetic practices [see source text or glossary: Khandaga]
7) Tapas (Tapash):
Tapas in Jainism refers to austerity and severe bodily discipline, which are considered crucial for spiritual purification and salvation [see source text or glossary: Tapas]
8) Tapa:
Tapa is a form of austerity in Jainism and is involved in practices leading up to fasting unto death [see source text or glossary: Tapa]
9) Ayar:
The Ayaranga, or Ayar, is an ancient Jaina text that outlines severe rules for discipline, including fasting unto death [see source text or glossary: Ayar]
10) India:
India is the cultural and geographical birthplace of Jainism, where various forms of religious deaths including fasting unto death have been practiced [see source text or glossary: India]
11) Grass:
Grass, specifically darbha-grass or tana, is often used to prepare the deathbed for those practicing death by fasting in Jainism [see source text or glossary: Grass]
12) Deliverance:
Deliverance or mukti is the ultimate goal in Jainism, often believed to be attainable through a final act of voluntary death by fasting [see source text or glossary: Deliverance]
13) Buddhism (Buddhist tradition):
Buddhist and Jaina traditions diverge on the approach to voluntary death, though both have contemplative practices surrounding end-of-life [see source text or glossary: Buddhist]
14) Book:
Books in the Jaina tradition, like the Ayaranga, detail the practices and rules around fasting unto death [see source text or glossary: Book]
15) Heroic:
Heroic qualities are often ascribed to those who undertake fasting unto death in Jainism, seen as a high form of spiritual sacrifice [see source text or glossary: Heroic]
16) Wise men (Wise man):
The death of a 'wise man' (pandita-marana) in Jainism is a voluntary, controlled act achieved through fasting and deep spiritual practice [see source text or glossary: Wise man]
17) Marana:
In Jainism, marana refers to different forms of death, with controlled fasting unto death being considered a wise and spiritually beneficial type [see source text or glossary: Marana]
18) Indian:
Various forms of voluntary death, including fasting unto death practiced by Jainas, have been historically present in Indian religious traditions [see source text or glossary: Indian]
19) Guru:
In Jainism, the guru plays a critical role in guiding a disciple through the process of fasting unto death [see source text or glossary: Guru]
20) Muni:
A Muni, or ascetic monk in Jainism, often undergoes rigorous spiritual practices including fasting unto death [see source text or glossary: Muni]
21) Pari:
[see source text or glossary: Pari]
22) Meditation:
Meditation is an essential part of the Jaina practices leading up to'wise man's death' through voluntary fasting [see source text or glossary: Meditation]
23) Discipline:
Discipline, as outlined in Jaina texts like the Ayaranga, is crucial in preparing for the final voluntary death through fasting [see source text or glossary: Discipline]
24) Knowledge:
Knowledge, especially spiritual knowledge gained through study and meditation, is foundational in the practice of fasting unto death in Jainism [see source text or glossary: Knowledge]
25) Expiation:
Expiation of sins and purification are seen as necessary before undertaking fasting unto death in Jain practices [see source text or glossary: Expiation]
26) Shravana (Sravana):
Sravana Belgola is a significant site in India where many Jaina inscriptions commemorate fasting unto death [see source text or glossary: Sravana]
27) Thera:
Theras or elder monks often support and guide other Jaina monks choosing to fast unto death [see source text or glossary: Thera]
28) Evam:
[see source text or glossary: Evam]
29) Java:
[see source text or glossary: Java]
30) Soul:
The soul's journey towards moksha or liberation is the ultimate goal in Jainism, often aimed to be reached through fasting unto death [see source text or glossary: Soul]
31) Rice (Rce):
Rice and other foodstuffs are renounced as part of the fasting unto death practices in Jainism [see source text or glossary: Rice]
32) Lead:
[see source text or glossary: Lead]
33) Shvetambara (Svetambara, Shveta-ambara):
Svetambara is a sect of Jainism that holds specific canonical texts like Ayaranga detailing voluntary death practices [see source text or glossary: Svetambara]
34) Shatrunjaya (Satrunjaya):
Mount Satrunjaya in India is a site where Jaina saints have practiced and commemorated fasting unto death [see source text or glossary: Satrunjaya]
35) Practice:
The practice of fasting unto death, anasana, is detailed in various Jaina texts and inscriptions, describing a highly disciplined end-of-life ritual [see source text or glossary: Practice]
36) Bombay:
[see source text or glossary: Bombay]
37) Yoga:
Jaina Yoga may include the discipline of fasting unto death as a final act of attaining spiritual purity and perfection [see source text or glossary: Yoga]
38) Renunciation:
Renunciation of all worldly ties, including food, is a crucial aspect of the practice of fasting unto death in Jainism [see source text or glossary: Renunciation]
39) Buddhaghosa (Buddhaghosha):
Buddhaghosa, a commentator on Buddhist practices, also discusses types of voluntary death, but in a form that contrasts with Jaina practices [see source text or glossary: Buddhaghosa]
40) Observance:
Observance of specific vows and practices is critical when preparing for fasting unto death in Jainism [see source text or glossary: Observance]
41) Confession:
Confession and atonement are essential preparatory steps for a monk or layperson undertaking fasting unto death in Jainism [see source text or glossary: Confession]
42) Digambara (Dish-ambara):
Digambara is another sect of Jainism, with similar attitudes towards voluntary death by fasting as the Svetambara sect [see source text or glossary: Digambara]
43) Mountain:
Mountains like Vipula and Satrunjaya are significant locations where Jainas have historically practiced fasting unto death [see source text or glossary: Mountain]
44) Weakness:
Overcoming physical and moral weakness is emphasized in Jainism's stringent practices leading up to voluntary death by fasting [see source text or glossary: Weakness]
45) External:
External tapas (austerities), including fasting, are crucial in the process of reaching spiritual purification and possibly ending one's life voluntarily in Jainism [see source text or glossary: External]
46) Solitary (Solitude):
Solitude is often sought by Jain monks when preparing for fasting unto death, isolating themselves to focus on spiritual practices [see source text or glossary: Solitude]
47) Sanskrit:
[see source text or glossary: Sanskrit]
48) Jainism:
Jainism emphasizes ascetic practices including fasting unto death as a means to purify the soul and achieve liberation [see source text or glossary: Jainism]
49) Worldly:
Renouncing all worldly attachments and ties is a key aspect of the preparation for fasting unto death in Jainism [see source text or glossary: Worldly]
50) Purana:
Puranic literature sometimes references types of voluntary death, which can be compared to Jain practices of fasting unto death [see source text or glossary: Purana]
51) Darbha:
Darbha-grass is traditionally used to prepare the deathbed for those practicing fasting unto death in Jainism [see source text or glossary: Darbha]
52) Weapon:
[see source text or glossary: Weapon]
53) Temple:
Various temples, especially in Sravana Belgola, have inscriptions commemorating acts of fasting unto death by Jain followers [see source text or glossary: Temple]
54) Heaven:
Achieving a rebirth in heaven is often deemed a favorable outcome of fasting unto death, especially for lay followers in Jainism [see source text or glossary: Heaven]
55) Lustre (Luster):
[see source text or glossary: Lustre]
56) Gold (Golden):
[see source text or glossary: Golden]
57) Kicca:
[see source text or glossary: Kicca]
58) Atthi:
[see source text or glossary: Atthi]
59) Kamma:
[see source text or glossary: Kamma]
60) Power:
[see source text or glossary: Power]
61) Earth:
[see source text or glossary: Earth]
62) Stone:
A stone platform is often meticulously prepared as the deathbed for those undergoing fasting unto death in Jainism [see source text or glossary: Stone]
63) Shati (Sati):
[see source text or glossary: Sati]
64) Anga (Amga):
The Svetambara canonical texts, including the Angas, lay out the rules and practices surrounding fasting unto death [see source text or glossary: Anga]
65) Ayam (Ayaṁ):
[see source text or glossary: Ayam]
66) Kala:
[see source text or glossary: Kala]
67) Fear:
Overcoming the fear of death is part and parcel of the ascetic practices leading to fasting unto death in Jainism [see source text or glossary: Fear]
68) Fire:
In some rare instances, Jaina texts also mention deaths by fire, but fasting unto death is more commonly extolled [see source text or glossary: Fire]
69) Pain:
Enduring physical pain is often part of the rigorous practices leading to fasting unto death in Jainism [see source text or glossary: Pain]
70) Face (Facing, Faced):
Facing death with stoicism and preparation is a key aspect of the Jaina method of fasting unto death [see source text or glossary: Face]
71) Dead:
[see source text or glossary: Dead]
72) Living Being:
Jain ethics emphasize non-violence towards every living being, even as one undergoes fasting unto death [see source text or glossary: Living Being]
73) Funeral pyre:
[see source text or glossary: Funeral pyre]
74) Individuality:
Jain practices aim to dissociate the monk's soul from his individuality, especially when preparing for fasting unto death [see source text or glossary: Individuality]
75) Purification:
Purification of the soul through confession and expiation is a prerequisite for fasting unto death in Jain practices [see source text or glossary: Purification]
[Note: The above list is limited to 75. Total glossary definitions available: 138]