Santhara
/sun-THAA-raa/
A voluntary, gradual fast at the end of life.
Undertaken only when death is near and unavoidable, with calm, consent and a teacher's guidance. Food is reduced over time and the vow can be relaxed. Jains distinguish it sharply from suicide, which they see as an act of passion and despair. It has been challenged in Indian courts and remains debated.