Jainism is an ancient Indian religion with a complex and nuanced view of death. In Jainism, death is seen as a natural part of the life cycle, and the soul is believed to be reborn into a new body after death.However, Jains also believe that it is possible to achieve liberation from the cycle of rebirth and that death can be a time of great spiritual opportunity.

 Jainism and the concept of death

Jainism shares many similarities with other Indian traditions, including the belief in reincarnation and the goal of liberation.In Jainism, the soul is said to be trapped in the cycle of birth and death due to its attachments to the material world.Liberation is achieved when the soul is free from all attachments and merges with the divine.

Similarities between Jainism and other traditions

Santhara is a Jain practice in which a person voluntarily fasts until death.It is seen as a way to end one's life with dignity and peace, and to prepare for the next life.Santhara is not considered suicide, as it is not motivated by a desire to end one's life.

Santhara: a good way to die

"In the Jain view, since the body is a temporary vessel, it is also to be given up as one moves on to liberation or to the next life. The appropriate way to do so is called santhara."

Santhara is different from suicide in that it is not motivated by a desire to end one's life.Santhara is also different from euthanasia, as it is not an assisted death.In euthanasia, a doctor or other healthcare professional helps a person to die.

Santhara vs. suicide and euthanasia

Similar practices to santhara exist in other Indian traditions, such as Hinduism and Buddhism.In Hinduism, the practice is known as prayopavesa.In Buddhism, the practice is known as sallekhana.

Santhara in other  traditions

"Just as the Jain is taught to neither crave nor resent life, they are also taught to neither crave nor resent death."

The ideal death in Jainism is one that is free from pain and suffering.It is also a death that is marked by detachment from the material world.The ideal death is one that allows the soul to be free to merge with the divine.

The ideal death in Jainism

The legal status of Santhara varies from country to country.In India, santhara is legal, but it is subject to certain restrictions.In other countries, santhara may be illegal or may be subject to different restrictions.

The legal status of Santhara

"There are other exceptional provisions for more induced deaths as well, such as setting oneself ablaze on a pyre. Though it appears disquieting, to masterfully embrace such a death is considered a hallmark of equanimity and yogic practice."

Santhara is a complex practice with a long history in Jainism. It is a practice that is both controversial and misunderstood. However, it is a practice that is deeply rooted in Jain's beliefs and values.Ultimately, the Jain view of death is complex and multifaceted. However, it is clear that Jains believe that death is a natural part of the cycle of life and that it is a time of great spiritual opportunity.

Conclusion

Think about what a good death means to you. What are your priorities for your death? Do you want to die peacefully? Do you want to be surrounded by loved ones? Do you want to have a say in your own death? Once you know what a good death means to you, you can start to make choices that will help you to achieve it.

philosophy

Philosophy

religionandspirituality

Religion & Spirituality

mindfulness

Mindfulness

travel

Travel

meditation

Meditation

The Jain way of life and death

Since time immemorial, humanity has been captivated by the vastness of the cosmos. Space exploration has led us to unravel mysteries beyond our home planet, Earth.Among the numerous tools utilized for celestial discovery, space telescopes stand as vital beacons of knowledge. In this stash, we will delve into the top five space telescopes sent into space and the incredible mysteries they have resolved.

Top 5 Space Telescopes: Unraveling Mysteries from the Vast Cosmos

The Hubble Space Telescope, launched in 1990, has transformed our understanding of the cosmos. Positioned above the Earth's atmosphere, it has provided breathtaking images of distant galaxies, nebulae, and celestial phenomena.By peering deep into the universe, Hubble has enabled astronomers to estimate the universe's age, observe star-forming regions, and study cosmic expansion.

Hubble Space Telescope: Peering into the Depths of the Universe

Launched in 2009, the Kepler Space Telescope embarked on a groundbreaking mission to detect exoplanets orbiting stars beyond our solar system.By monitoring the brightness of stars and detecting periodic dips caused by transiting planets, Kepler has discovered thousands of exoplanets, leading to a better understanding of planetary systems and their prevalence in the Milky Way galaxy.

Kepler Space Telescope: Discovering Exoplanets Beyond Our Solar System

Set to launch in 2021, the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) promises to be one of the most advanced space observatories ever deployed.JWST will utilize infrared technology to explore distant galaxies, study the atmospheres of exoplanets, and investigate the formation of stars and galaxies. Its enhanced capabilities are expected to revolutionize our knowledge of the early universe.

James Webb Space Telescope: The Next Frontier of Space Observation

X-rays, invisible to the human eye, have provided astronomers with a unique perspective on the universe. Launched in 1999, the Chandra X-ray Observatory has been observing high-energy X-rays emanating from black holes, supernovas, and galaxy clusters.These observations have shed light on the behavior of black holes and the powerful forces at work in the cosmos.

Chandra X-ray Observatory: Illuminating the Universe in X-rays

Launched in 2003, the Spitzer Space Telescope was a trailblazer in the field of infrared astronomy. By detecting heat radiation from celestial objects, Spitzer has unveiled hidden stars, dusty nebulae, and provided insights into the early universe.Despite being decommissioned in 2020, its invaluable contributions continue to shape our understanding of infrared-emitting phenomena.

Spitzer Space Telescope: Pioneering Infrared Astronomy

Many people find the universe confusing -- it's not.

Since time immemorial, humanity has been captivated by the vastness of the cosmos. Space exploration has led us to unravel mysteries beyond our home planet, Earth. Among the numerous tools utilized for celestial discovery, space telescopes stand as vital beacons of knowledge.

technologyandthefuture

Technology & The Future

books

Books

scienceandnature

Science & Nature

The Fascination of Space Exploration

In "A Brief History of Time," Stephen Hawking takes readers on a captivating journey through the cosmos, illuminating the deepest mysteries of the universe. From the mind-boggling concept of the Big Bang to the enigmatic nature of black holes, Hawking unravels complex scientific theories with remarkable clarity, making them accessible to both science enthusiasts and curious minds alike.Through the pages of this book, readers will explore the fabric of spacetime, delve into the quantum realm, and contemplate the possibility of time travel.

A Brief History of Time: Unveiling the Mysteries of the Universe

In "A Brief History of Time," Stephen Hawking takes us on an awe-inspiring journey through the origins of the universe. Explore the mind-boggling concept of the Big Bang, the explosive event that gave birth to the cosmos.Discover the groundbreaking theory of cosmic inflation and its role in shaping the universe's structure and vastness. Hawking's clear and accessible explanations bring to life the remarkable story of our universe's birth, setting the stage for further exploration of its mysteries.

The Birth of the Cosmos: From the Big Bang to Cosmic Inflation

Delve into the captivating world of black holes, where gravity is so intense that not even light can escape. Hawking unravels the formation and physics behind these cosmic phenomena, shedding light on their incredible gravitational forces and event horizons.Journey into the heart of a black hole, where spacetime is infinitely curved, and the laws of physics are pushed to their limits. Explore the profound implications of black holes on our understanding of the universe and their role in cosmic evolution.

Black Holes: The Cosmic Abyss of Infinite Gravity

Embark on a mind-bending exploration of the quantum realm, where particles behave in strange and mysterious ways. Hawking introduces the principles of quantum mechanics, unveiling the inherent uncertainty and interconnectedness of the subatomic world.Discover the wave-particle duality and the famous double-slit experiment, offering insights into the fundamental nature of reality. Hawking's captivating narrative illuminates the profound implications of quantum physics and its role in shaping the tapestry of the universe.

The Quantum Universe: Unraveling the Fabric of Reality

Join Hawking in the quest for a theory that unifies all the fundamental forces of nature. Explore the intricacies of Einstein's theory of general relativity and its profound implications for the nature of spacetime. Dive into the world of quantum field theory, where particles and forces are unified through symmetries and fundamental interactions.Hawking discusses the grand challenge of merging general relativity and quantum mechanics into a single, elegant framework, offering insights into the frontiers of theoretical physics.

The Theory of Everything: Seeking the Unified Laws of Nature

Contemplate the enigma of time as Hawking explores its directionality and the role of entropy. Discover the connection between the second law of thermodynamics and the flow of time, unravelling the puzzle of time's arrow.Gain insights into the irreversible nature of physical processes and their implications for the unfolding of events in the universe. Hawking's lucid explanations demystify the concept of time, leaving readers with a deeper appreciation for its profound role in our understanding of the cosmos.

Time's Arrow: Entropy and the Mysteries of Time

Embark on a voyage through the speculative realm of wormholes and time travel. Hawking discusses the potential shortcuts through spacetime, offering glimpses into the possibility of traversing vast cosmic distances and even exploring the past or future. Delve into the theories and paradoxes surrounding time travel, from the famous twin paradox to the concept of closed timelike curves.While the practicality of time travel remains uncertain, the exploration of these fascinating concepts pushes the boundaries of our imagination and expands our understanding of the universe.

Wormholes and Time Travel: Navigating the Cosmic Landscape

Quiet people have the loudest minds.

In "A Brief History of Time," Stephen Hawking unravels the mysteries of the universe with clarity and enthusiasm. From the birth of the cosmos in the Big Bang to the mind-bending physics of black holes and quantum mechanics, Hawking guides readers through the frontiers of space science. Hawking's legacy as a brilliant physicist and science communicator shines through, inspiring a sense of wonder and igniting curiosity about the cosmos.

#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER A landmark volume in science writing by one of the great minds of our time, Stephen Hawking’s book explores such profound questions as: How did the universe begin—and what made its start possible? Does time always flow forward? Is the universe unending—or are there boundaries? Are there other dimensions in space? What will happen when it all ends? Told in language we all can understand, A Brief History of Time plunges into the exotic realms of black holes and quarks, of antimatter and “arrows of time,” of the big bang and a bigger God—where the possibilities are wondrous and unexpected. With exciting images and profound imagination, Stephen Hawking brings us closer to the ultimate secrets at the very heart of creation.

Stephen Hawking is an accomplished writer whose work has resonated with readers around the world. Stephen Hawking has published several books that explore a range of topics, from fiction to nonfiction, and has received critical acclaim for the ability to weave compelling narratives. Stephen Hawking's writing style is known for its depth and authenticity, and has earned quite a loyal following of readers.

Stephen Hawking

A Brief History of Time

Space science is a field filled with intriguing mysteries that continue to captivate scientists and astronomers.Here are some of the top mysteries in space science:

Mystery of Space Science

"The Universe is full of questions waiting to be answered. The mysteries of space have captivated human curiosity for centuries, leaving us in awe of the vastness and complexity of the cosmos."

Dark matter and dark energy make up a significant portion of the universe, but their nature remains a mystery. Dark matter does not interact with light or other forms of electromagnetic radiation, while dark energy is thought to be responsible for the accelerated expansion of the universe.

Dark Matter and Dark Energy

The origin of the universe itself is still not fully understood. The Big Bang theory suggests that the universe began from a singularity, but the exact mechanisms and conditions leading to the explosion are still subjects of active research.

The Big Bang

Black holes are incredibly dense objects with gravitational forces so strong that nothing, not even light, can escape them. However, many aspects of black holes, such as their formation, information paradox, and what lies beyond their event horizon, remain mysteries.

Black Holes

The discovery of exoplanets (planets orbiting stars outside our solar system) has raised questions about the prevalence of habitable environments in the universe.Scientists are still exploring the conditions necessary for life and how common they may be in the cosmos.

Exoplanets and Habitable Zones

Cosmic inflation is a theoretical concept that suggests the universe experienced an extremely rapid expansion in the early moments after the Big Bang. While there is evidence supporting inflation, the specific details and mechanisms behind it remain unknown.

Cosmic Inflation

The Fermi Paradox raises the question of why, given the vast number of potentially habitable planets in the universe, we have not encountered any extraterrestrial civilizations.This paradox has sparked numerous theories and debates about the existence of intelligent life beyond Earth.

The Fermi Paradox

Despite extensive research, the exact origin of life on Earth remains elusive. Scientists are still investigating the conditions and processes that led to the emergence of life from non-living matter, whether it originated on Earth or arrived from elsewhere in the universe.

Origin of Life

Although gravity is well understood at a macroscopic level, it remains a mystery when it comes to reconciling it with quantum mechanics. The search for a theory of quantum gravity is ongoing and is crucial for a complete understanding of the fundamental forces in the universe.

Gravity

Cosmic rays are high-energy particles that originate from various sources in space. However, the exact mechanisms behind their acceleration and their impact on the universe, including their role in cosmic magnetic fields and the formation of galaxies, are still not fully understood.

Cosmic Rays

The nature of time and space is a topic of ongoing research and speculation. Questions about the fabric of space-time, its curvature, and the possibility of wormholes or other shortcuts through space continue to challenge our understanding.

Time and Space

These mysteries highlight the vastness and complexity of the universe, providing constant inspiration for scientists to delve deeper into the mysteries of space science.

Journey from Earth to the outer reaches of the universe with this stunning book about space! You'll encounter bizarre planets, distant stars, and intricate galaxies. From planets and asteroids to black holes and galaxies, every page of this captivating book reveals the secrets behind more than 100 celestial objects. Get ready to explore fun facts and exciting new scientific discoveries! For centuries, the mysteries of space have captured our imaginations. This picture book will illuminate imaginations and spark curious minds to explore the vastness of space. Take your little astronaut on a journey from our planet out into the furthest reaches of the universe! Filled with gorgeous illustrations and incredible photography, young readers will be intrigued by the detailed close-up images of each celestial body. The engaging storybook-style descriptions and simple text shed a light on facts, myths, and key discoveries about the universe. Explore the wonders of our solar system and beyond. This educational book also includes reference pages packed with fascinating information. Journey Through the Vastness of Space Join us on an adventure across the universe, as we rocket to the stars! Discover 100 objects from the universe, arranged from the closest to our planet to the ones the furthest away. Storybook-style text and out-of-this-world pictures make this book perfect for an astronomical bedtime. It's also a fantastic gift for children who can't get enough of space. Grab your spacesuit and put your helmet on! Inside the pages of this adventure book, you'll find: - Beautiful illustrations and incredible photography that showcase the mysteries of space. - Discover 100 remarkable objects in the cosmos. - Engaging storybook-style descriptions that explain key discoveries about the universe. More to Explore Once you've discovered The Mysteries of the Universe, dive into the companion titles from this series from DK Books! The Wonders of Nature explores more than 100 items from the natural world and An Anthology of Intriguing Animals showcases animals around the world.

Will Gater

The Mysteries of the Universe

Stars go through a natural cycle, much like any living beings. This cycle begins with birth, expands through a lifespan characterized by change and growth, and ultimately leads to death.Stars come in a variety of masses and the mass determines how radiantly the star will shine and how it dies. Massive stars transform into supernovae, neutron stars and black holes while average stars like the sun, end life as a white dwarf surrounded by a disappearing planetary nebula.All stars, irrespective of their size, follow the same 7 stage cycle, they start as a gas cloud and end as a star remnant.

Life Cycle Of A Star

A star originates from a large cloud of gas. The temperature in the cloud is low enough for the synthesis of molecules. The Orion cloud complex in the Orion system is an example of a star in this stage of life.

1. Giant Gas Cloud

When the gas particles in the molecular cloud run into each other, heat energy is produced. This results in the formation of a warm clump of molecules referred to as the Protostar. The creation of Protostars can be seen through infrared vision as the Protostars are warmer than other materials in the molecular cloud. Several Protostars can be formed in one cloud, depending on the size of the molecular cloud.

2. Protostar

A T-Tauri star begins when materials stop falling into the Protostar and release tremendous amounts of energy. The mean temperature of the Tauri star isn’t enough to support nuclear fusion at its core. The T-Tauri star lasts for about 100 million years, following which it enters the most extended phase of development – the Main sequence phase.

3. T-Tauri Phase

The main sequence phase is the stage in development where the core temperature reaches the point for the fusion to commence. In this process, the protons of hydrogen are converted into atoms of helium. This reaction is exothermic; it gives off more heat than it requires and so the core of a main-sequence star releases a tremendous amount of energy

4. Main Sequence 

A star converts hydrogen atoms into helium over its course of life at its core. Eventually, the hydrogen fuel runs out, and the internal reaction stops. Without the reactions occurring at the core, a star contracts inward through gravity causing it to expand. As it expands, the star first becomes a subgiant star and then a red giant. Red giants have cooler surfaces than the main-sequence star, and because of this, they appear red than yellow.

5. Red Giant

Helium molecules fuse at the core, as the star expands. The energy of this reaction prevents the core from collapsing. The core shrinks and begins fusing carbon, once the helium fusion ends. This process repeats until iron appears at the core. The iron fusion reaction absorbs energy, which causes the core to collapse. This implosion transforms massive stars into a supernova while smaller stars like the sun contract into white dwarfs.

6. The Fusion of Heavier Elements 

Most of the star material is blasted away into space, but the core implodes into a neutron star or a singularity known as the black hole. Less massive stars don’t explode, their cores contract instead into a tiny, hot star known as the white dwarf while the outer material drifts away. Stars tinier than the sun, don’t have enough mass to burn with anything but a red glow during their main sequence. These red dwarves are difficult to spot. But, these may be the most common stars that can burn for trillions of years.

7. Supernovae and Planetary Nebula

This Idea helps to know how a star evolves and through what process it goes to become a star like "The sun" and ultimately end up to star remnants.

This book examines the lives of stars, following their formation, and looking at their characteristics and planetary systems, and the end of their lives. Using twenty articles published in current science journals, the editor presents a balanced look at the current thought on the cycle of stars. A volume introduction and an explanation of the significance of each article helps to make the information exceptionally accessible.

The Jain way of life and death

The Fascination of Space Exploration

A Brief History of Time

The Mysteries of the Universe

The Characteristics and the Life Cycle of Stars

Labish Bardiya