Relevant Links on Death Fasting

• Allard, Syama, 2020, 5 Things to Know About Hindus and Death, Hindu American Foundation

• BBC, 2009, Hinduism — Euthanasia and Suicide, BBC.co.uk

• Jain, Manoj, 2015, Santhara — Jain Way of Death with Equanimity, HuffPost

• Jain, Sushil Kumar, 2022, Concept of Sallekhna and Santhara in Jainism — Distinct from Suicide or Active Euthanasia, Justice Reflected

• Stängle, Sabrina, 2020, Terminal Fasting Presents Many Moral Conflicts, ZHAW Zurich University of Applied Sciences

• zur Nieden, Christiane, 2019, “Der Weg des Sterbefastens”, Interview by Thanatos TV, YouTube. 

Books Focused on Death Fasting

• Nonviolence to Animals, Earth, and Self in Asian Traditions – Christopher Chapple
  Explores Buddhist, Hindu, and Jain principles of nonviolence, mindfulness, and self-care. It shows ways in which ethical living and conscious decisions at the end of life can be connected.

• The Jains – Paul Dundas
  Provides a comprehensive introduction to the Jain tradition, including spiritual practices such as voluntary fasting. Relevant for understanding cultural concepts of self-determination and fasting until death.

• “A Jain Tradition of Liberating the Soul by Fasting Oneself” in Death and Dying –Sudhir Kakar
  Analyses the Jain practice of voluntary fasting until death as a form of spiritual liberation. Offers valuable insights into the historical and cultural dimensions of self-determined dying.

• The Art and Science of Fasting – Mickey Mehta, Nisha Amin & Gorsi Zaveri Shah
  Examines the health, psychological, and spiritual aspects of fasting, including longer and intentional fasting practices. Relevant for understanding modern perspectives on voluntary end-of-life fasting.

• Inviting Death: Indian Attitude Towards the Ritual Death – S. Settar
  Analyses historical Indian rituals of conscious death and the cultural meaning of self-chosen dying practices. Provides valuable contextual information for understanding fasting to death.

• Dealing with Deathfasts: Cases from Practice – Christiane zur Nieden & Hans-Christoph zur Nieden                                                        Provides practical case studies and guidelines for accompanying voluntary fasting until death in Germany. Helpful for relatives, caregivers, and anyone planning a self-determined farewell at home.

Other Valuable Books

These books explore mortality, conscious farewell, life reflection, and spiritual clarity — ideal for readers who appreciate As She Chose.

• Being Mortal – Atul Gawande
  A compassionate look at autonomy at the end of life, care decisions, and dignity in dying, particularly relevant for those who wish to complete their lives on their own terms.

• Tuesdays with Morrie – Mitch Albom
  Touches on themes of farewell and life wisdom; shows how conversations about death and dying can deepen one’s understanding of life.

• When Breath Becomes Air – Paul Kalanithi
  A moving memoir about living with a terminal diagnosis and maintaining meaning and dignity at the end of life.

• The Denial of Death – Ernest Becker
  Explores the psychological dimension of dying and the fear of death; helps sharpen awareness of a self-determined farewell.

• Radical Acceptance – Tara Brach
  Teaches acceptance and compassion for oneself — key elements for peace in letting go and dying with dignity.

• The Book of Forgiving – Desmond Tutu
  Shows how forgiveness brings inner peace, an important aspect of emotionally letting go and consciously shaping the final stage of life.

• Man’s Search for Meaning – Viktor E. Frankl
  Frankl’s reflections on finding meaning even in extreme circumstances inspire readers to live consciously and see the end of life as part of that meaning.

• The Untethered Soul – Michael A. Singer
  Helps cultivate inner freedom, letting go, and experiencing consciousness beyond the body — fitting for a conscious dying experience.

• The Year of Magical Thinking – Joan Didion
  A personal exploration of loss and grief, showing how emotional processing can support both oneself and others.

• Final Gifts – Maggie Callanan & Patricia Kelley
  A practical guide to the final signs of life and how to accompany the dying with respect — perfect for home settings.

• The Five Invitations – Frank Ostaseski
  Explores what dying can teach us; offers insights into self-determination, presence, and conscious farewell.

• No Death, No Fear – Thich Nhat Hanh
  Teaches peace with mortality, letting go of fear, and consciously accepting the end of life.

• Falling Upward – Richard Rohr
  Emphasises spiritual maturity and transformation in later life, suitable for inner preparation for a self-determined farewell.

• The Power of Now – Eckhart Tolle
  Encourages mindfulness and presence — essential qualities for dying consciously and peacefully.

• Being with Dying – Joan Halifax
  A classic on end-of-life care, dignity, and compassion, for both caregivers and those who are dying.

• The Tibetan Book of Living and Dying – Sogyal Rinpoche
  Offers spiritual practices and insights for conscious dying, especially in home environments.

• With the End in Mind – Kathryn Mannix
  A compassionate guide to dying, farewell, and emotional preparation for both the dying and their loved ones.

• The Art of Dying Well – Katy Butler
  Practical advice for self-determined dying, including decisions about care, staying at home, and preserving dignity.

• The Bright Hour – Nina Riggs
  A memoir about living with a terminal diagnosis that inspires a peaceful and conscious farewell.

• The Book of Awakening – Mark Nepo
  Provides daily reflections on meaning, life, and mortality; strengthens inner clarity and calm when letting go.

• The Return of the Prodigal Son – Henri Nouwen
  Reflects on forgiveness, compassion, and acceptance — valuable spiritual perspectives for the end of life.

• Letting Go: The Pathway of Surrender – David R. Hawkins
  A practical guide to releasing emotional burdens, fears, and attachments — essential abilities for inner preparation for a conscious and peaceful death.

• Dictations on Dying and Death – Peter Noll 
  A philosophical and literary approach to the themes of dying, death, and farewell. Offers reflections that help people understand death as a natural part of life and foster inner acceptance.