87-year-old Jain takes oath, to fast unto death

Bengaluru: Whoever calls Santhara or Sallekhana an evil practice or an attempt to suicide is at fault for hurting the religious sentiments of Jains, said members of Jain community, who had gathered at a house in Nagarathpet in the city, where an 87-year-old man was administered the oath of Santhara on Friday.

The octogenarian, Bastimal Borana, took the oath, administered by Sadhvi Pragyasri. Borana, was a pawn broker by profession and had retired 20 years ago.

Borana had undertaken the eight-day ‘Tapasya’ (preparation for Santhara) since November 12, when he deprived himself of food and water and has determined to fast unto death. A disciple of a Jain seer Acharya Mahashraman provided Santhara oath to Boranna on the eighth day of Tapasya on Friday.

“Santhara is a tradition in which one accepts death in a stoic and positive outlook after having sought for all forgiveness and have made every attempt to devoid himself from every possible attachment in life, both materialistic and non-materialistic,” Sajjanraj Mehta, former president of Jain Yuva Sangathan told Deccan Chronicle.

It would be unfair to limit Santhara to Jain religion alone. Anyone who has reached the exalted position in life and wishes to liberate the soul from his or her body can adopt the non-violent route of Santhara to convert death into a celebration, he added.

“The Supreme Court had stayed the order of Rajasthan High Court in August this year, which deemed Santhara practice as illegal,” Mehta said. “Although the matter is sub-judice and the verdict is expected only around five to six years from now, over 40 Santharas have already taken place since August throughout the country,” he added.

Emphasising that Santhara was a holy practice, Mehta said “The first and foremost requirement is the voluntary consent of the person and also the support of the family for taking the vow. The saint who administers the vow fully ensures that the person is spiritually advanced and competent enough to take the highest vow of relinquishing the body in a systematic manner. Even after administering the vow of Santhara, there is an exit route if a person so desires at any stage of the oath.”

“Meanwhile large number of Jain community members thronged Borana’s house seeking blessings from him as he is considered a saint, after he took up Santhara. His death will be glorified, celebrated and will be memorable for the entire community members,” said a community member.

The misconception that Santhara is termed as suicide by some is wrong. Suicide happens when an individual loses hope and decides to end life, while Santhara oath is accepted in the presence of the entire family, community members, a Jain saint and amid doctors if necessary. – Sajjanraj Mehta, former president of Jain Yuva Sangathan.