ISJS NEWSLETTER, FEBRUARY ISSUE #02, 2022

Fortnightly NewsletterInternational School for Jain Studies(A Division of Amar Prerana Trust)Vol#05 | Issue#02 | No.02 | February 2022SELF STUDY IS THE SUPREME AUSTERITYO O LHFCOSRLJAANINOISTTAUNDRIEETSNIBharat ChakravartyDetachment in AttachmentBharat was the eldest son of Lord Adinath. He was also the first universal emperor (Chakravarty) of India. He had many queens, vast wealth and armed forces. He was loved and respected by his subjects. Simultaneously, he was bestowed with right vision (samyakdrishti) and he practiced equanimity – detachment from the worldly objects as he was immersed in his inner self (soul) while being an emperor at the same time. A renowned scholar of his time visited him and questioned how he could practice total detachment as an emperor? To demonstrate his life-style, Bharat gave him a bowl full of oil with burning lamp (diya) to its brim and asked the scholar to go and see around his palace, his vast luxuries, and queens. On return he was to tell Bharat who was his most beautiful queen and which part of the palace was the most beautiful. If the scholar answered these correctly, he will be rewarded with a sizable amount of his wealth. However, a couple of soldiers with swords in their hands were to follow the scholar. If a drop of oil spilled from the bowl, the scholar would be beheaded. The scholar went around the whole palace and returned without spilling a drop of oil. Bharat was very happy to see this and asked the scholar, “Who is the most beautiful queen and which is the most beautiful part of the palace?”. The scholar said, “I never cared for any things as I was totally focused on the bowl of oil not too be spilt over.” To this Bharat replied, “I am also like this. Even though all beautiful worldly things surround me, yet I am always aware of my Self and immersed in the attributes of my pure soul.”This is the way of life of practicing detachment while living a worldly life and enhance our happiness to attain the ultimate objective of life.President, ISJS

Dear all,Greetings!International School for Jain Studies (ISJS) extends gracious and healthy greetings to all readers.From its inception in 2005, ISJS organizes various academic programs during summer and winter. The foremost objective of all activities of ISJS is to support a comprehensive, scholarly, and experimental introduction of nonviolence and Jainism in universities around the world. Due to the Covid crisis, these programs were being organized virtually for the last two years. Since the situation is much better now, we are conducting all our activities offline as before.We have announced our activities for this year's summer programs and we invite applications from interested candidates. The details of activities and link for application are given inside this newsletter. The interested candidates can apply through the link or can visit our website . ISJS implements its programs by a process of careful screening of potential participants and faculty, well-researched curriculum, engaging participants in intensive academic studies, living in Jain hostels, relishing Jain food, providing interaction with Jain laity and monks, observing and participating in rituals and pilgrimage to make it a live experience.Besides the summer and winter programs, ISJS organizes a nine-month-long PG Diploma study program in Prakrit language and invites applications for the next batch 2022-2023. ISJS takes sincere efforts in assisting you in making your life happy through unique concepts of Jainism. Keeping this ideology in mind, ISJS will soon organize a 3-day retreat on “Rhythm of Life.”Through this page, I intend to keep you informed about the ISJS activities in promoting Jain studies, and enhancing your own wellness and of the world at large. I humbly invite comments and suggestions for making the whole experience more effective.Shrinetra Pandey, PhDwww.isjs.in1FROM THE EDITOR'S DESK

International School for Jain Studies (ISJS) offers an excellent proposal for overseas university students, staff and researchers as well as high school teachers to visit India in Summer 2022 and learn the doctrine of ahimsa (nonviolence) and Jainism and their relevance in today's lifestyle. These are the most popular annual programs of ISJS since its inception:: This three-week program is designed to cater to the needs of undergraduate, graduate, degree holders, PhD candidates, professors, and faculty in Religion, Philosophy, South Asian Studies, Anthropology and other related subjects who desire to learn about Jainism as a part of their higher education.: This five-week advanced program is designed for serious and motivated graduate and PhD students, post-doctoral scholars and full-time teaching-cum-research faculty members involved in the study of Religion, South Asian Religions, languages, Anthropology, Theology and allied subjects.: This program is designed for high school teachers & educators who wish to integrate practical nonviolence into their lives, classrooms and schools.for details of 3W & 5W programfor details of TFP programPlease note that this year the program will be conducted physically.Visit for the application process.Kindly promote these programs and enhance interest in academic studies of Jainism globally.]]]Apply before MARCH 15, 2022. Special financial assistance is also available only for the 5W program. Please visit to apply online.ISSJS.2022-3W (June 16 – July 06, 2022 at Delhi & Pune)ISSJS.2022-5W (June 16 – July 20, 2022 at Delhi & Pune)ISSJS.2022-Teaching for Peace (July 11 – July 31, 2022 at Delhi, Jaipur, Jalgaon and Pune)Click hereClick herewww.isjs.inwww.isjs.inDeadline Extended for Excellent Opportunities to Acquire Experiential Knowledge of Jainism in Summer 2022NEW EDUCATION PROGRAMS OPEN FOR REGISTRATION2

Third Bhagwan Mahavira Prakrit Fellowship Program in India3rd3 Bhagwan Mahavira Prakrit FellowshipPrakrit Study Program In India (2022-23)This is an excellent opportunity to Post-doctoral research fellows / Doctoral Candidates / Post-graduate students in Philosophy / History / Indology / Languages / Linguistics / Religious Studies. Professors on research leave will also be considered. to see the announcement.Click hereResearch Associate in Philosophy/Religious studies/History and Culture OPPORTUNITY TO WORK WITH ISJSISJS is looking for a Research Associate with specialization in Philosophy / Religious Studies / History and Culture. Selected candidate will get opportunity to work on research projects in the areas related to Jainism as well as to teach international students and scholars, present papers in seminars, edit and publish articles in research journals.For more detailsTo apply Click hereClick hereISJS is looking for a Research Assistant with specialization in Psychology / Sociology / Applied Philosophy. Selected candidate will get opportunity to work on research projects in the areas related to Positive Psychology, Sociology and Jain Studies. as well as to edit and publish articles in research journal and present papers in seminars.For more detailsTo apply Click hereClick hereResearch Assistant in Psychology/Sociology/Applied PhilosophyISJS invites applications from interested scholars for the rd3 Bhagwan Mahavira Fellowship to study Prakrit (a language of Jain canonical literature) in India for nine months in 2022-23. The fellowship covers boarding, lodging, study material and local travel expenses in India apart from learning from the experts.

4“Rhythm of Life” RetreatUPCOMING SEMINAR OR PROJECTSHave you ever wondered what is the root cause of our sufferings? People often conflate the concepts of “purpose” with “desire,” and as a result, their life's ultimate “purpose” is reduced to a collection of selfish desires. Desires, on the other hand, are often a manifestation of one's ego or a sign of over-involvement in one's own life. Individuals experience the bulk of their pain because they are driven by irrational desires.A person's purpose may have little to do with their ego-boosting desires and accomplishments in a consumerist culture. With desires, you lose your peace of mind and become miserable. Many people have a midlife crisis when they realize that they've been pursuing their passions instead of their life's purpose.At our retreat, “The Rhythm of Life,” we will help you dissecting the root cause of suffering and get rid of it through universal values and virtues. The ISJS team offers a secure space for you to reflect, study, engage, relax, and have fun as you see fit in this atmosphere. For 21 consecutive days, you'll sit back from your hectic schedule, calm down, and review your own unique operating system while also developing a tailored plan for new lifestyle habits and connecting with like-minded others.To know more, contact Dr. Malay Patel at [email protected] & PUBLICATIONAn Article Published in The Times of India based on Research by Dr. Malay PatelWhen looking at Indian entrepreneurship in Gujarat utilizing three separate research approaches, Dr. Patel's current work attempts to link the past and the present by focusing on the Jain community, which is a subset of the Indian population. “The Protestant Ethic and Spirit of Capitalism,” in the Gujarat area of India, is a regional feature rather than a community-specific trait this is what Dr. Patel argues comparing Jain community with other business communities of Gujarat. Dr. Patel's seminal research on the subject was published in a special volume “Memoirs of Oriental Studies” by the Polish Academy of Science. The article (The Influence of Culture on Business Communities of India with special reference to Jain Community of Gujarat) based on his thresearch was covered by The Times of India, Ahmedabad Edition on 20 February 2022. Dr. Malay Patel is currently associated with ISJS, Pune as Joint Director.To read the article Click here

5Book Review in ISJS-Transactions (Online Research Journal)ISJS invites newly published books on Jainism for review. The book should not have been published before 2020. Authors/Editors/Publishers are requested to send two copies of the book (one for the reviewer and another for ISJS library). Only one book along with the review article on that can also be sent:The books can be sent to:The Editor,ISJS-TransactionsC/o International School for Jain StudiesFirodia Hostel, 844, BMCC RoadShivaji Nagar, Pune-411004 (MH)NEWS FROM INDIAWelcome Prof. S.R. BhattISJS is pleased to announce that one of the greatest minds, a well-known philosopher Prof. S.R. Bhatt has kindly agreed to be a member of the Advisory Board of ISJS-Transactions, an online quarterly research journal of ISJS. Under the guided leadership of Prof. Bhatt, ISJS-Transactions would surely excel in publishing high quality articles in the field of Jainology.Prof. S.R. Bhatt is a philosopher and Sanskritist. He is internationally known as an authority on ancient Indian culture, Buddhism, Jainism and Vedanta. At present he is National Fellow of Indian Council of Social Science Research, Ministry of Education, Government of India. He serves as Chairman of Indian Philosophy Congress and Asian-African Philosophy Congress. He is a member of General Council of ICCR & Academic Council of Nalanda (International) University. He is Editor (India) for Bloomsbury Encyclopedia of Philosophers, London. He is a Member of Board of Advisors of Council for Research in Values and Philosophy, Washington D.C., USA. Prof. Bhatt retired as Professor and Head, Department of Philosophy, University of Delhi, Delhi. After retirement he joined Emeritus fellowship of UGC. Thereafter, he served as Chairman of Indian Council of Philosophical Research, Government of India. He has lectured at many universities and research institutes of India and abroad.

6 PG Diploma and Certificate Course in Yoga Education by Parshwanath VidyapeethParshwanath Vidyapeeth, Varanasi is going to conduct the fourth batch for one-year (500 hrs.) PG Diploma in Yoga Education, and a six-month (200 hrs.) Certificate Course in Yoga Education. Both the courses are recognized by Kaivalyadham Yoga Institute, Lonavala since 2019.For details contact:Dr. S.P. Pandey, Joint DirectorParshwanath VidyapeethE-mail: Ph. +91-542-2575890; Mob: +91-99361 [email protected] FROM ABROADA Virtual International Conference on Beyond Violence: Jainism, Plurality, and World ReligionsClaremont School of Theology (CST) and Jain Studies program at Florida International University (FIU) organized a virtual international conference on “Beyond Violence: Jainism, plurality and World Religions” on February 18 & 19, 2022 at 8:30 am (PT). In this conference, 17 scholars from five countries presented their papers. The program began with recitation of Navakar mantra by Ms. Sushama Parekh. The opening remarks were presented by Dr. Jeffery Kuan, President CST and Dr. Iqbal Akhtar, Director of Religious Studies, FIU. Dr. Abhay Firodia, Chairman, Amar Prerana Trust and ISJS, Pune, India; Dr. Jeffery D. Long, Carl W. Zeigler Professor of Religious Studies, Elizabethtown College, USA and Atmarpit Vidhiji, Shrimad Rajchandra Mission Dharampur (SRMD), India were the Keynote Speakers.Dr. Firodia's subject for the keynote speech was “Bifocal Views of Jain Values.” In his speech Dr. Firodia talked about three components to make a society healthy, powerful, and prosperous: AAA (Ahimsa, Anekant, Aparigrah), EEE (Education, Enterprise, Ethics), and DDD (Defense, Deterrence, Determination).

Lecturer in the Religions of South Asia with a focus on JainismThe School of History, Religions, and Philosophies (HRP) of SOAS University of London, UK invites application for Lecturer – Religions of South Asia (Jainism). This is a teaching and research appointment. It will involve delivery of teaching in the religions of ancient India with a focus on Jainism, at both the undergraduate and postgraduate levels. The supervision of MA dissertations in topics connected to the religions of South Asia constitutes a further key element. The role involves the production of research publications at an international standard and contribution to the activities of the SOAS Center for Jaina Studies.Last date of application: March 31, 2022 for further detailsClick herePhD position at University of Tubingen, GermanyThe Department of Indology at the Institute of Asian and Oriental Studies of the University of Tübingen, Germany, invites applications for a 65% part-time PhD position over 3 years. Requirements: Above-average Master's degree in Indology or closely-related field by the starting date of the position, 1 October 2022; knowledge of English language; and knowledge of a relevant Indian language (e.g. Sanskrit, Pali, Hindi, Malayalam, etc.). PhD topics on Jainism, Indian Buddhism, or other themes that complement the research and teaching profile of the department (including the history, culture, and languages of the Indian subcontinent) are encouraged. Full details here. https://uni-tuebingen.de/de/59907

Searchable Jain Agams / ScriptureJAINA Education Committee (Jain eLibrary) has announced the completion of the phase-1 of “Searchable Jain Agam / Scriptures.”The Agam Search Engine is based on printed Unicode text (e.g.– Mangal and Shruti family of fonts). This search provides any topic to be searched and results of individual sutras and their translation in multiple languages as available in Unicode.For any suggestions, comments, issues or queries, please reach out to project coordinator:Shri Kailash K Mutha+1 331 472 714 to see document for Steps to Search with [email protected] hereth15 annual conference of the South Asian Studies AssociationthLoyola Marymount University (LMU) will host the 15 annual conference of the South Asian Studies Association on March 11-13, 2022 (Friday-Sunday). The theme of the conference is “South Asia: Challenges and Transformations”. Of special interest to religion scholars will be the sessions on Jain Goddess Padmavati, Goddesses in Nepal, Kashmir Shaivism and Buddhism as well as a couple panels on Yoga education and therapy. Admission is free. Registration is required for admittance to the Zoom sessions and/or to the LMU campus.Details and the registration link can be found here: https://sasaonline.net/8

International School for Jain Studies(A Division of Amar Prerana Trust)C/o Firodia Hostel, 844, BMCC RoadShivaji Nagar, Pune-411 004 (MH)E-mail: | Web: [email protected] STUDY IS THE SUPREME AUSTERITYO O LHFCOSRLJAANINOISTTAUNDRIEETSNIClick hereto subscribe NewsletterClick herefor Previous Issues2022 Summer Programs on JainismFor undergraduates, graduates, PhD candidates and faculty members3-week & 5-week residential program in IndiaFor more detailsVisit www.isjs.inTEACHING FOR PEACEAn Experiential Learning for NonviolenceA 3-week residential program in Indiafor K-12 teachers, consultants and educatorsFor more detailsvisit www.isjs.inOPPORTUNITY TO ENJOY THE SUMMER OF 2022 AT THE PICTURESQUE, SEREN MEDITATION CUM TRAINING RETREAT NEAR PUNE AND LEARN NON VIOLENCE & JAINISM AS WELL