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For several years, we have been working with Virginia Commonwealth University ( VCU) in Richmond, VA to introduce regular Jain Studies program at VCU. During the last 2 years, VCU has had offered lectures on Jainism, four ( 3 students and one Professor) went to International Summer School for Jain Studies in India this year, and last month, Dr. Shugan Jain from ISJS India delivered 2 lectures there to nearly 220 students.
VCU is a prestigious and the second largest university in the State of Virginia with 32,000 student.
With several negotiations and discussions between ISJS and JAINA, now the time has arrived to launch a regular Jain Studies program at VCU.
This will happen on Sunday, November 13, 2011 starting at 10.00am at a beautiful historic hall on VCU campus which has been specially reserved just for this meeting. This really is an excellent opportunity that we will be starting JAIN study program there.
Jain community of Richmond, VA and VCU are hosting this meeting. Several University officials and the Jain Sangh of Richmond, VA will be there to greet the Jain community.
All Jains are invited. Hope we will have a great presence.
Please make your plans and invite as many Jains ;especially from Washington D.C and Raleigh NC areas to participate in this event.
VARANASI: Is the millennia-old city on verge of witnessing confluence of Jainism and Buddhism and spreading the philosophy of two old religions to other parts of the world?
While Sarnath (where Buddha preached his first sermon) has emerged as international centre for Buddhist studies, now Parshwanath Vidyapeeth (PV), an external research centre of Jain studies recognised by Banaras Hindu University (BHU), in association with International School of Jain Studies (ISJS) looks all set to promote research on various aspects of Jainism besides exposing students (research scholars) and teachers to real life experience of peaceful co-existence of various religions in the city.
"We have established ISJS-PV global centre for ahimsa (non-violence) and Indic research and special summer schools are being also hosted for foreign scholars, who get first hand experience of rituals and traditions of different religion that the city offers," said Shagun C Jain, vice-president (PV) and chairman ISJS-PV global centre, in a press conference on Sunday. "The numbers of foreign students (from under-graduate to Ph D level) visiting the PV centre during international summer school have also increased from seven (2005) to around 60 this year," he added.
It may be mentioned here that ISJS-PV global centre for ahimsa and Indic research was established in 2009 while ISJS had been conducting annual summer schools at PV centre for the last five years in the months of June and July each year.
The whole idea is to attract foreign students and teachers and give them practical inputs of various aspects of Jainism and other religions that co-exist peacefully in one of the oldest living cities of the world, said Prof SL Jain, director, PV on the occasion. The centre is also initiating efforts to link Jain philosophy with modern life style, making it relevant for addressing various issues including terrorism and environmental pollution, added Prof Jain, who was also the former dean, faculty of Arts, BHU.
As per reports of the centre, the first group of 14 scholars (under graduate level) visited the centre on June 7 while the second batch of 15 members arrived on June 14 this year. Presently, a group of 11 senior scholars that arrived on June 23 (for 10-days visit) is staying at the centre, getting practical and theoretical inputs on various aspects of Jainism.
So far, the programme has attracted around 60 foreign scholars from 11 countries in the world. "A majority of them (over 50 per cent) come from North American countries like the US and Canada, but recently scholars from Asian and European countries including Thailand, Czech republic, Slovenia, Denmark and Norway have also shown interest in summer schools," said Shagun C Jain, hinting at the popularity of summer schools.
More than 4,000 Jain manuscripts, some dating back to the ninth century BC, are being immortalised in a digitised encyclopaedia that will be thrown open to the public early next year.
‘Jainpedia’ is the brainchild of the Institute of Jainology (IoJ), formed in 1983 mainly by the Jain diaspora in Britain. The collection of manuscripts include scriptures from British institutions like the Victoria and Albert Museum, British Library, Bodleian Library and Wellcome Trust.
“Many have beautifully illustrated folios on paper, cloth and palm leaves with a diverse range of subjects related to Jain beliefs, tradition and practices,’’ said Mehool Sanghrajka, IoJ’s director of education.
The manuscripts cover areas like hymns and prayers, accounts of the lives of the founders of Jainism, didactic literature, lexicography, poetics, philosophy, astrology, karma literature, texts on pilgrimage places and on daily rituals.
Most manuscripts have travelled with British officers posted in India who returned after Independence.
“While compiling these catalogues, the Institute realised that the collections were being used only by scholars and learned monks and nuns,’’ said Sanghrajka.
That’s when the institute decided to make the collection accessible to a wider audience. “This question of access was multi-faceted — physical contact with these manuscripts can be difficult as some are rare, many centuries old and fragile. Even if one could get to them, many are in languages that have not been spoken for a millennia and more. And, if one could perchance read the script, the contents are themselves difficult without an understanding of Jain philosophy, history and culture,’’ he says.
To make them more intelligible, the digitised images will be contextualized with commentaries from modern scholars, audio and video material and translations of the original texts apart from material for schools and young people.
Even Jain elders and members of Jain trusts in Mumbai have given ‘Jainpedia’ the thumbs-up. “The effort taken by the Jain community in Britain will reinforce our own efforts of reaching out to youngsters,’’ says Puspasen Panachand Zaveri, who is a trustee of many Jain trusts including Chadraprabhu Derasar. Sanghrajka adds that independent research had shown that over 3 lakh people would benefit from the project.
“In particular, school children in England, where the institute has brought Jainism into the English National Curriculum will benefit.” A series of lectures is being planned by the institute to create awareness about the website in Mumbai.
Nagaur, Rajasthan: Jain Vishva Bharati is the world’s first Jain University. The inspiring forces behind the establishment of Jain Vishva Bharati University (JVBU) were Gurudev Tulsi, Great seer, saint and scholar of modern era.
His holiness was the ninth Acharya, the supreme head of Jain Terapanth religious sect, comprising more than 700 monks and nuns, and millions of followers all over the country and abroad.
Transcending sectarian boundaries, he had been incessantly working during the last six decades for the welfare of mankind - eradicating social evils, reforming social customs, building up national character and educating the masses about the principles of non-violence Universal peace and brotherhood.
The institute JVBU was founded by Gurudev Tulsi in 1970. In 1991, Government of India notified Jain Vishva Bharati Institute as Deemed University under section 3 of University Grants Commission Act, 1956.
At present Acharya Mahaprajna (a great thinker, philosopher and writer, often described as walking encyclopedia of Jainology) is the Anushasta (The Preceptor) of JAIN VISHVA BHARATI University.
The institute is located at Ladnun, a small town in Nagaur District of Rajasthan, it is 380 kms. west of Delhi and 225 kms. north west of Jaipur. It is well served by deluxe and express bus services from Jaipur, Jodhpur, Bikaner, Udaipur, Ajmer, Ahmadabad, Delhi and other cities. The nearest airports are Jaipur and Jodhpur.
The campus of JAIN VISHVA BHARATI, sponsoring body of JVBU, is spread over 1, 00, 600 sq. meters of area with trees on either side of the road and parks in the center. Regular Courses:
Presently, JVBU offers regular, residential, two years post graduate degree courses and three year undergraduate courses commencing every year in the following disciplines:
1. M.A in Jainology and Comparative Religion & Philosophy 2. M.A in Prakrit and Jain Agama 3. M.A/ M.Sc. in Science of Living: Preksha Meditation, Yoga- Therapy 4. M.A in non-violence, Anuvrat, Peace Research 5. M.A in Social Work 6. A certificate course in “SCIENCE OF LIVING” and “PREKSHA
MEDITATION” of one month classroom teaching and two months correspondence is held every year during summer season. Distance Learning Courses:
The University offers correspondence courses in the following disciplines:-
1. MA in Jainology and Comparative Religion & Philosophy. (Same syllabus as regular course) 2. BA with special emphasis on Jainology and allied Subjects: - Syllabus covers Jainology and Prakrit as Major subjects and Sanskrit, Science of living, Non- violence and peace as electives. Capsule Course for Foreigners:
On demand from various scholars of some foreign countries, JAIN VISHVA BHARATI INSTITUTE has planned a 21-day -residential capsule courses on ‘Doctrine and Application of Jainology, Non-Violence, Peace, Science of Living and Preksha Meditation’. Those desirous of attending the course may write to the Registrar, JVBU so that the detailed program could be sent to them individually as soon as possible. Eligibility, Fee Structure and Admission Procedure
Post Graduate Courses: Applicants should be graduate in any discipline having secured at least 50% marks in aggregate (5% relaxation in case of ST/SC/OBC/Women).Candidates appearing in final year exams may also apply.
Undergraduate Courses: Applicants should have passed 10+2 or equivalent examination from any recognized University or board with minimum 50% of marks in aggregate(5%relaxation in case of SC/ST/OBC/Women). Admission Test and Interviews:
Test and interviews followed by group discussion is held in the month of June - July every year.For Prospectus cum application form applicants may apply to the Registrar during April and May.The Entrance examination is based on objective General Knowledge and Hindi or English.
Facilities Available:
Central Library: The JVBU’s Central Library known as “Vardhman Granthagar” has over 40,000 books and over 5,000 rare manuscripts. A large number of journals and periodicals are regularly subscribed.
Computer Center: The institute has a well equipped Computer center. Regular students can selectively avail the facility.
Hostel: The institute has co-education. Hostel facility is available to those coming from outside the boys hostel is housed in “AMRITAYAN” an elegant spread out structure on Sadhna Marg .Women’s hostel is in “GAUTAM GYANSHALA” on sewabhavi Marg.
Yoga and Meditation Center: The above center is located in “Tulsi Adhyatma Needam” and offers theoretical and practical training to build spiritual cum scientific personality. There are 60 Meditation room here.
Ayurvedic dispensary: An Ayurvedic Pharmacy research and dispensary for the free treatment of patients is located at the JVBU campus where herbal medicines are also prepared.
Audio visual Center: There is an Audio visual educational center for recording lectures, sermons of holy saints and scholars, discussion and seminars known as “AMRITVANI”
Guest Houses: There are three guest houses for the accommodation of guests coming from outside they are “SATKAR” “SAGAR” and “SUMERU”.
Extension & Training wing: The institute has a separate training cell run in collaboration with Jeevan Vigyan Academy for providing exposure to “Science of Living” and “Preksha Meditation” and provides training to teachers, students, administrators, Police personnel and all those who are interested in it.
Research/Project wing: This research wing focuses on study and research in oriental learning particularly in Jainology under the able guidance of its Anusastha. The critical edition of all Jain Agamas has been prepared in Hindi and English.
Career Prospects:
After successful completion of M.A or M.Sc. degree a student may opt for further Ph.D. degree in the institute with attractive fellowships.
The subject of ‘Science of Living, Preksha Meditation, and Yoga Therapy’ is becoming increasingly popular all over the world. Jeevan Vigyan Academy has various centers, and there is a demand for resource persons for teaching in these centers.
Those qualified in this subject can also become counselors in hospitals, medical institutions, social welfare organization and consultants in industrial houses or may run their own training center or practice as a consultant in the area of Preksha Meditation and Yoga. With the inclusion of Science of Living as a subject in value- education in schools run by Govt. of Rajasthan and Govt. of Delhi, the students may find employment opportunity in such schools.
The subject of ‘Non-Violence, Anuvrat, and Peace Research’ is highly relevant in modern society riddled with Tensions, conflicts, agitation and terrorism. Those qualified in this subject may be usefully employed by non- governmental institutions engaged in rural upliftment, Environmental promotion, value-education, conflict resolution, crime prevention etc.
They can also serve as moral and spiritual guides in international organizations working for social equality, social justice and world peace.
Subjects of ‘Jainology and comparative Religion &Philosophy’ and Prakrit &Jain Agama are all included in NET and SLET examination conducted by UGC and state govt. A student may get job in schools, colleges, Universities especially meant for Oriental studies all over the world.
The subject of ‘Social work’ can offer remedial and rehabilitate services to avert sufferings of individuals, groups and communities on account of exploitation, injustice and deprivation, which can bring social change and development in the society.
The profession has successfully established its utility in handling practical problems as rural development, tribal welfare, development of SC/ST/OBC, women welfare, sex and child abuse, poverty and unemployment, conflict resolution, slum improvement, labor welfare and marriage counseling.
VARANASI: The International School for Jain Studies (ISJS), Parshwanath Vidyapeeth, Karaundi, is nowadays frequented by foreign students from various countries to study Jain philosophy.
In the recent past, two groups of foreign students from countries like the US, UK, Belgium, Japan, Thailand and Norway made visits for study purpose.
According to Dr SP Pandey, director in-charge of Parshwanath Vidyapeeth, the first group of 13 foreign students was on an education tour from June 14 to 19 while the second group of 12 students stayed for study purpose from June 30 to July 11. Lectures of noted scholars like Prof Anne Valley, department of Religious Studies, University Ottawa, Canada, Prof SN Upadhyay, director, Institute of Technology, Banaras Hindu University, Prof RS Ambasht, professor emeritus at BHU, and others were organised for them.
The Parshwanath Vidyapeeth, established in 1937 as an Institute of Indology, is an institution of higher learning in Jain Studies.
VARANASI: On a week long education tour from June 14 to 19, a group of foreigner students studied Jainism at the International School for Jain Studies (ISJS), Parshwanath Vidyapeeth. The students came from various countries including the US, UK, Belgium, Japan, Thailand and Norway.
According to Dr SP Pandey, director in-charge Parshwanath Vidyapeeth, the students were engaged in various classes during their stay. Prof MNP Tiwari, department of history of art, Banaras Hindu University (BHU), delivered a lecture on Jain Art while Dr Pandey delivered a lecture on Anuvrata (code of conduct for Jain house-holders. Sarah Hadmac, lecturer at Hawaii University, delivered her lecture on Jainism and ecology presenting the relationship between nature and man especially in the light of Jain scriptures. Prof Sudarsh Lal Jain, former dean, Faculty of Arts, also taught code of conduct for Jain monks and penance.
The visiting students also witnessed the puja ceremony held at Shvetambar Temple, Bhelupur. Students discussed with faculty members on various concepts of Jainism in detail and also visited the Jain temples. The group left for New Delhi on Friday.
CHENNAI: The ruins of two Jaina prayer halls (Chaitya grahas), belonging to the Tamil Sangam age and estimated to be about 2,200 years old, have been excavated atop a hill near Mankulam village, about 20 km from Madurai, Tamil Nadu. The ruins are adjacent to two of the five caves that have the earliest Tamil-Brahmi inscriptions in Tamil Nadu. The caves have several beds hewn out of the rock-floor, where the Jaina monks rested.
The Tamil Nadu Archaeology Department excavated the ruins of the prayer halls in 2007. The excavation yielded large-sized bricks, grooved tiles with holes, black and red potsherds and L-shaped iron nails. The Department has published a book on this excavation.
V. Vedachalam, retired senior epigraphist, Tamil Nadu Archaeology Department, estimated that these halls were “the earliest Jaina brick structures in Tamil Nadu.” He asserted, “No brick structure of this kind has been found in any Jaina site in Tamil Nadu.” The monks, who lived in the nearby caves, must have prayed in these chaitya grahas, which could have had an auspicious symbol or a cult object, he said.
The foundation and walls of the halls were built of bricks, which measured 35 cm x 17 cm x 6 cm. The roof was made of wooden rafters with grooved tiles that were held in place on the rafters by the L-shaped iron nails driven through the tiles.
These structures were similar to those found at the Udayagiri and Khandagiri hills, near Bhubaneswar, Orissa, which were important Jaina centres, said Dr. Vedachalam.
In 1882, Robert Sewell, civil servant and antiquarian, first noticed a few inscriptions on the brow of the caves on the Mankulam hill, near Meenakshipuram. Epigraphists V. Venkayya and H. Krishna Sastry tried to read them. Attempts to decipher them bore no fruit until K.V. Subrahmanya Aiyer, who pioneered the reading of the Tamil-Brahmi script, recognised them as having been inscribed in Brahmi. He concluded, in 1924, that the script’s language was Tamil. Others who contributed to the decipherment of the Tamil-Brahmi inscriptions found in Tamil Nadu included T.N. Subrahmanian, Iravatham Mahadevan, Dr. R. Nagaswamy and Dr. Y. Subbarayalu.
On the Mankulam hill, there are five caves, with six Tamil-Brahmi inscriptions in four of them. They belong to the 2nd century B.C. The long inscription found on the brow of the rock, close to the first Jaina prayer hall, gives details of how the Pandya king Nedunchezhiyan was instrumental in sculpting the beds in the cave as “dhammam” for the chief Jaina monk “Kani Nandan.” Another inscription is about “Sadikan,” father of Nedunchezhiyan’s brother-in-law, sculpting the beds for Kani Nandan.
Dr. Vedachalam said: “Mankulam was a great Jaina centre. It must have been the largest Jaina centre in Tamil Nadu during the Sangam age. The existence of the chaitya grahas, Tamil-Brahmi inscriptions and the Jaina beds [together in one place] are of national importance.”
Today, the Jaina beds have been desecrated with graffiti incised on them or painted in different colours.
