Executive Briefing: The Art of Transcendent Transition
Sallekhana (or *Santhara*) is the highly regulated vow of gradual voluntary fasting undertaken only by senior monks or terminally ill persons with spiritual equanimity, strictly distinguished from suicide.
1. Equanimity Over Despair
Unlike suicide driven by passion, depression, or fear, Sallekhana is executed with profound inner peace, forgiveness asked from all beings (*Khamat Khamna*), and the shedding of bodily attachment.
2. References
- Settar, S. (1989). Inviting Death: Indian Attitude Towards the Ritual Death. E.J. Brill.