Question

People belonging to which religion/s practice Sallekhana? Choose from the options

i) Sikhs

ii) Bahais

iii) Jains

iv) Buddhists

1. (i) only
2. (iii) only
3. (i), (ii) and (iv) only
4. (i) and (ii) only

Answer 1

Correct Answer - Option 2 : (iii) only

The correct answer is (iii) only.

• Sallekhana also known as santhara, Samadhi Maran is a supplementary vow under the ethical code of conduct of Jainism. 
• It is the religious practice of voluntarily fasting to death by gradually reducing the intake of food.
• It is a vow available to both Jain ascetics and householders. It should not be observed by a householder without the guidance of a Jain ascetic.
• There are Five Great vows prescribed to followers of Jainism:
  • Ahimsa (non-violence),
  • Satya (not lying),
  • Asteya (not stealing),
  • Brahmacharya (chastity),
  • Aparigraha (non-possession).

• The Baháʼí Faith (Bahai) is a new religion teaching the essential worth of all religions and the unity of all people.
  •  Established by Baháʼu'lláh in the 19th century, it initially developed in Iran and parts of the Middle East.
• Sikhism is an Indian religion that originated in Punjab around the end of the 15th century CE.
  • Sikhism developed from the spiritual teachings of Guru Nanak.
• Buddhism is a religion or philosophical tradition based on a series of original teachings attributed to Gautama Buddha.
  • It originated in ancient India as a Sramana tradition sometime between the 6th and 4th centuries BCE.
  • The goal of Buddhism is to overcome suffering caused by desire and ignorance of reality's true nature.