International School for Jain Studies (A Division of Amar Prerana Trust) Fortnightly Newsletter Vol#06 | Issue#11| No.01 | November 2023
FROM THE EDITOR’S DESK Dear Reader, Jai Jinendra! About Twenty-six hundred years ago, at the age of 42, Prince Vardhaman, who renounced his worldly life earlier attained omniscience. There after he became known as Lord Mahavira. For almost thirty years He preached divine sermons and rejuvenated the creed, now known as Jainism. He attained nirvana. Mahavira attained Nirvana at dawn of Kartika Krishna Amavasya some 2550 years ago and Gautama, His chief disciple (ganadhara), attained omniscience on the same evening. The devotees celebrate the accolades of both the Jinas by lighting the lamps to tread on the path shown by Him. – one became Siddha and the other became Arihanta His followers lighted lamps saying that the Divine has gone showing the path leading the path to attain Moksa. The auspicious day is celebrated as Mahavir Nirvana Kalyanaka or Dipavali which falls on November 13 this year. Jain philosophy believes that anyone can attain such a state of eternal bliss and worship those who attained (called Jinas) the same one day. International School for Jain Studies ‘ISJS’ wishes happy Mahavira Nirvana Kalyanaka to all its readers. Its efforts in teaching and learning Jainism and Prakrit in the academic world means to make a difference for enhancing happiness of all. 2
DEADLINE EXTENDED for 10-day Online Program in Winter IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT ISJS invites applications for its 10-day ONLINE winter program on Jainism that starts on December 28, 2023. The program offers introductory lectures on Jainism by subject experts on Jain doctrines, history, and way of life. An opportunity to interact with a Jain ascetic and a Jain householder family are added features of this program. The program is open to all. Program dates: December 28, 2023 - January 6, 2024 Last date for application is December 20, 2023. To know more visit: https://www.isjs.in/courses/winter-program/ Click here for announcement poster 3 Deadline Extended till December 20
Deadline Extended for Papers on Anekantavada To further provide the opportunity to those scholars who could not submit their papers, the dates have been extended. Extended Timeline are • Abstract and scope of your paper: 1 December, 2023 • Full Paper submission: 15 January 2024 For more details Click here ISJS, Jain Academy of Scholars (JAS) in association with Dr. Melanie Barbato (University of Münster) and Dr. Sulekh Jain (JAINA-ALC) invite papers on Applications of Anekantavada (Non-absolutism) in different affairs of our lives and professional areas. 4 Celebrating 2550th Nirvana (Liberation) Anniversary of Lord Mahavira As a part of a continued effort to promote academic studies of Jainism, ISJS reaching out with a request to undertake activities involving critical and academic exploration of various facets of Lord Mahavira’s life, era, teachings & their contemporary relevance in 21st century society inflicted with wars, climate change & arrogance of some to dominate the world. We encourage you to consider organizing courses, classes, classroom discussions, research papers, seminars, conferences, publications, research projects, & fieldwork centered around him and his teachings. Click here for the list of potential study and research topics related to Lord Mahavira. For more details contact Dr. Shugan C. Jain at [email protected] or Dr. Sulekh C. Jain at [email protected]
MONTHLY LECTURE SERIES ON JAINOLOGY The 10th lecture of the online monthly lecture series is to be delivered on “Hanuman in Jain Ramayanas” by Prof. Eva de Clercq on November 25, 2023. Prof De Clercq is an Associate Professor at Faculty of Arts and Philosophy, Ghent University, Belgium. The session will be chaired by Prof. Maruti Nandan Prasad Tiwari, former Emeritus Professor, Department of History of Art at Banaras Hindu University. Renowned art-historian Prof. Tiwari is Chairman of the Indian Art History Congress (IAHC). For Zoom Link & Flyer Click here 5
Deccan College Post-Graduate and Research Institute (Deemed to be University) has opened two positions at the Bhagwan Shitalnath Chair in Jain Archaeology. The Chair is initiated by ISJS. Applications are invited for a Secretarial Assistant and a Research Fellow. Candidates should submit the soft copy of the application form with their CV, and relevant certificates through e-mail at [email protected] and cc to [email protected] clearly mentioning ‘Application for Bhagwan Shitalnath Chair for Jain Archaeology.’ Click here for the detailed announcement NEW DEVELOPMENTS IN JAIN STUDIES Opportunities at Bhagwan Shitalnath Chair in Jain Archaeology Candler School of Theology of Emory University invites applications for a post-doctoral fellowship in Jain Studies. The successful candidate will hold a Ph.D. or Th.D. in a relevant field by the time of appointment. Over the two years of the fellowship, the Candler courses will include an Introduction to Jain Studies and an elective that fits the fellow’s research and the school’s curriculum. The postdoctoral fellow will also arrange for occasional lectures, symposia, or other events on Jainism at Emory. For advertisement Click here Post-Doctoral Fellowship Position in Jain Studies at Emory 6
Jain Panel at American Academy of Religions The American Academy of Religions is going to have a panel on Jainism at its annual convention from November 18 to November 21 in San Antonio, Texas. The Jain Studies Unit includes Ellen Gough, Ana Bajzelj, Anahita Hoose, and many other distinguished scholars as their panelists. The annual AAR affair hosts various academicians of all religions witnessed by thousands of enthusiasts. The previous convention had taken place in Denver. Click here for the weblink 7 ACTIVITIES Bhagwan Naminath Fellowship Creates Curiosity for Research The six participants of Bhagwan Naminath Fellowship, an ISJS initiative to train young minds for quality research in Jainism feel exhilarated on completing half of the course before breaking for Diwali. The program started on October 16 and the participants have learned various topics including important factors in research, how to read a book, and what to note, using
using diacritic marks and Roman transliteration, literature survey, finding claims, sublime and support in research writing / reading, finding knowledge gap, selection of topic, writing an abstract, thesis statement, paper outline, connecting conversation and argument, MLA / APA / Chicago styles of citation of an authored book, and making a proposal for Fulbright fellowship. Testimony: What more would a research student want? Great guidance from the best faculty and an insight into future Jain academia. Also, an excellent environment of Vallabh Smarak to enhance learning. – Sulabh Jain The BNF exceeded my expectations providing unparalleled opportunities for intellectual growth and collaboration shaping my academic journey. – Shailesh Shinde This course has given me fresh perspectives. I have acquired good understanding of presenting my knowledge and information clearly and confidently. The feedback from instructors is instrumental in refining my writing which will help in my future endeavors. – Rohit Chakote ISJS is conducting the program in association with Loyola Marymount University, USA. 8
BMPF Participants Relish Prakrit Learning Participants of the 4th Bhagwan Mahavira Prakrit Fellowship program by ISJS show enthusiasm for learning Prakrit by playing word games in the class, making short sentences, and coming up with assignments about distinguished Prakrit grammarians. This month they translated verses from Dravyasamgraha, presented interesting topics from the Prakrit language and literature, improved their Prakrit vocabulary, and appeared for the monthly test. From the textbook, they have covered the treatment of the vowel ‘a’, the section on the substitution of conjuncts, declensions of ‘rajan’ and ‘atman’, and all tenses and moods. Bhagwana Kunthunatha Annual Award for Best Book & Paper on Jain Related Subjects First ISJS Annual Award for best book and paper, now named as the Bhagwana Kunthunatha Annual Award. The selection committee has selected the following research paper/article and book for the award: Best (joint award) Research Paper/Article: 1. Commonality and Difference: Jain Philosophical Approaches to Interreligious Studies by Dr. Anil Mundra. 2. Ascetic practices in interfaith dialogue-Jain yoga and orthodox Heyshm by Ms. Natalia Pavlyk. Best Book: 1. Digital & Diasphora intertwined frontiers of contemporary Jainism by Prof. Tine Vekemans. The award ceremony is scheduled for December 10, 2023 at India International Centre, New Delhi. 9
Rhythm of Life (ROL) Retreat 3 rd Rhythm of Life (ROL) retreat Feb 23rd to 25th, 2024 at Zorba The Buddha Rhythm of Life ‘ROL’ retreat is an excellent opportunity to rediscover one’s own inner and outer worlds to bring a balance between them and continue the journey of life with greater purpose and fulfilment. ROL Retreat is designed and delivered by daughter-father duo Anita Jain (Switzerland) and Dr. Shugan Jain (www.isjs.in). ROL is based on Indian (primarily Jain) philosophical findings, latest researches in psychology, sociology, neuroscience and our own international living experience. Two successful ROL retreats in November 2022 and April 2023 at Pune and Delhi respectively have already been delivered successfully. For details Click here We are now accepting registrations for the 3 rd ROL retreat. Early bird discounts available till December 31, 2023 https://forms.gle/NJCyMWSiY8otSUHEA ROL Retreat is planned in Switzerland in mid 2024. The fourlecture ONLINE module is available in USA at https://www.arihantainstitute.org/course/110-rhythm-of-life 10
In this section, ISJS invites original articles, and write-ups from Jain professionals, teachers, and practitioners. You can send your articles/write-ups/opinions to us at [email protected]. In this issue, we have an article in English titled “Bhagwan Mahavir’s 2550th Nirvana Anniversary” by Dr. Sulekh C. Jain. Dr. Jain is the mentor and advisor of ISJS. The write-up presents the teachings of Bhagwan Mahavir absolutely imbibed with Jain philosophy. The facts and the views expressed in the article are those of the author only. The email address of the author is [email protected]. A reader may send his/her questions or comments to the author directly. To read the write-up Click here SPEAK UP ISJS invites research papers for its upcoming issues. The journal is open for scholars/researchers/faculty members for their research papers on various aspects of Jainology, viz. philosophy, philology, culture, religion, history, archaeology, art and architecture, science, and many more. Research papers can be sent to [email protected] or [email protected]. Find guidelines before sending the abstract and research paper across Check out the recent issue Flick through the previous issues ISJS PUBLICATION Call for Papers: ISJS-Transactions 11
3 rd Rhythm of Life (ROL) retreat Feb 23rd to 25th, 2024 at Zorba The Buddha We are now accepting registrations for the 3 rd ROL retreat at Zorba The Buddha, February 23 - 25, 2024. Please register at: https://forms.gle/NJCyMWSiY8otSUHEA The four lecture ONLINE module is available at https://www.arihantainstitute.org/course/110-rhythmof-life.
International School for Jain Studies (A Division of Amar Prerana Trust) C/o Firodia Hostel, 844, BCC Road Shivaji Nagar, Pune — 411004 (MH) E-mail: [email protected] | Web: www.isjs.in Click here for subscription & previous issues Join & Follow Deadline Extended till December 20