ABSTRACT
Of all the world's religious traditions, one might reasonably surmise that Jainism exceeds all others in its insistence upon impeccable moral behaviour. Over 2,300 years ago, the Buddha harshly criticized the extreme practice undertaken by Jaina monks and nuns, and even today, some of their practices, such as the fast unto death, are controversial within India. This chapter includes discussions on the Jain understanding of ethics and karma, vows, fasting and Sallekhanā/Santhārā, the final fast. This chapter outlines the Jaina ethical worldview and examines it in light of normative ethics and debates regarding styles and approaches to religiously inspired activism.
