International Summer School for Jain Studies

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Sponsored by MAHAVIR VISION, INC. (USA) &

INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL FOR JAIN STUDIES (ISJS), India.

INTERNATIONAL SUMMER SCHOOL

FOR JAIN STUDIESISSJS

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IN INDIA

Expansion of South Asian Studies◦ Increasing interest in pluralism and global affairs◦ Immigrants from Asia: Hindu, Jain, Muslim, Buddhist, Sikh◦ Visible presence of India faculty in universities and

professions like medicine, finance etc.

Jainism currently has only a miniscule presence◦ Only 17 researchers among thousands of South Asian

experts◦ Very few programs include instruction on Jainism◦ Jainism least known and most misunderstood

ISSJS to remedy this◦ Wider impact than a Jain Chair◦ Train and motivate current and future researchers and

faculty/teachers

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Jainism as part of South Asian Studies in North America

Jainism has survived and flourished in India in the past◦ Several Jain Centers of learning and practice◦ Institutions of Acharyas, Temples, Bhattarakas, Yatis, lay

scholars Jains, even in India, are no longer connected to physical

Jain Centers/Institutes◦ Jain students have more exposure to other faiths, and less to

Jainism◦ Traditional methods of passing the heritage may no longer be

effective Jainism overseas faces serious challenges

◦ They are a minority within a minority◦ Difficulty of preserving Jain identity

Modern and creative approaches are needed

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Motivation: Jainism in the Modern World

Other religions have reached the humanity. ◦ Hinduism is now known around the world, due to ISCON

etc. Gita is now widely quoted by non-Hindus.◦ Within 50 years, Christianity has become the most

popular faith in Korea, leaving Buddhism behind.◦ Jain principles like Ahimsa, Compassion, Vegetarianism,

tolerance have been hijacked by others.

Jains must use modern methods to reach people around the world.

New generation of Jains must acknowledge their identity proudly. They should be able to discuss Jains with non-Jains.

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Why Jains Must Use New Approaches

Essential components for survival of Jainism◦ Scriptures (Jin-Vani) for guidance, Temples for worship,

Monks for leadership, Devoted Shravakas for support.

Extensive Temple building in recent years◦ Temples alone will not preserve Jainism◦ It is essential to preserve Jain Learning and prepare

competent scholars who will teach Jainism.

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Building Temples is Not Enough

Comprehensive scholarly and experiential introduction to Jainism

Applicable to academic studies in international universities, North America in particular

Intensive one month and two month academic program: philosophy, social aspects, rituals, pilgrimage

Interaction with scholars, monks, lay people and practitioners

On return ISSJS, supports scholars to carry out further research.

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Objectives of ISSJS

Chaired Professor approach:◦ Prohibitive cost for a small community◦ Benefits localized◦ Takes very long to implement◦ Paucity of qualified scholars to fill the chaired position

ISSJS Approach:◦ Scholars from multiple institutions◦ Trains potential teachers and researchers◦ Encourages graduate students to study Jainism◦ Student earns credit from the home university ◦ ISSJS trained faculty to offer regular courses in Jainism◦ Fast track and cost effective

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ISSJS Approach: Scholarship & Practical Introduction

Development of courses for Jains & non-Jains Research and publications by scholars Scholars will give lectures and seminars at

◦ Jain institutions in North America and India◦ International Conferences

They will collaborate with Jain scholars in India and in other countries.

Modernization of Jain Studies in India

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How ISSJS Scholars will spread Jainism

Scholars in India will interact with international scholars◦ Quality of Jain institutions will improve

Jain scholars will be invited to visit overseas institutions for talks, collaboration, even faculty positions.

Jain youth will no longer see Jainism as an old-fashioned, impractical and isolated system.

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Benefits to Jainism in India

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2005 Summer School Glimpses

It has been one of

the most rewarding

studies undertaken.

that I have HF

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2006 Program Glimpses

I am deeply committed to furthering Jain studies. It is both a personal and academic commitment AV

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ISSJS 2007 Glimpses

The exposure that the professors and graduate students have had to so many aspects of Jainism have been such that our understanding and appreciation of Jain studies has been deepened and broadened beyond what I thought was possible.

Prof. Hope Fitz ( Class of 2006)

We all marvel at your skills in “managing” situations and people. Prof. Anne Vallely ( Class of 2006)

The scholarship & traveling have been incredible. My work is forever changed.

Adrea Jain, Rice Universit

contd…

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Comments by Attendees

I am writing to send you a belated thank you for the experiences I received at the International Summer School for Jain Studies in 2007. I can’t begin to explain my gratitude for all the knowledge I gained about the Jain community. The education your school provided is incomparable to any school found in the U.S.

Holly Parmarthi( ISSJS 2007) Everyday I grow more and more thankful for my experiences

with ISJS. I am so grateful to all who helped in opening doors to the Jain values for me as I increasingly find that they are not only Jain values, but also my own. I feel that I am a Jain at heart in many ways. This realization may not have been nurtured if it had not been for the ISJS and all of the beautiful jivas, such as many of you whose hard work created this program. I am excited to send students to ISJS, trusting that their experiences will also be positive and that they will become beacon for both Jain awareness and Jain research upon return.

Sarah Hadmack , University of Hawaii and Class of 2005 & 2007

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Lectures by Jain scholars and Monks◦ History, culture, literature, arts and festivals. (12-14

lectures) ◦ Ontology and metaphysics (10-12)◦ Karma theory (10-12)◦ Epistemology (10-12)◦ Ethics (10-12)◦ Mahāvīra, his time and contributions (4-6)◦ Special  topics  (15-20)

Interactions◦ Lay Jains and Jain families, elites and ordinary◦ Monks. Nuns, scholars◦ Visits to major Jain pilgrimage sites◦ One week special project under the guidance of a Jain

Scholar Revisions and refinements in the program each year

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Recent Curriculum

Preparation of lectures in advance by teachers◦ Comprehensive lecture notes available in advance to

scholars.

Interactive and modern teaching◦ students encouraged to ask perceptive questions ◦ Technology: power-point, projector, computers etc.

Evaluations & feedback by both teachers and scholars -Daily, weekly, monthly, end of course.

One week special project under supervision of a Jain Scholar in India.

Visits to Jain temples, homes, Sadhus and Sadhvis

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Teaching Methods

Potential participants reached through:◦ Dept Chairs, Past alumnus, American Acad. of Religions

Convention, ISSJS Web-site, University of Ottawa , Indo -Canadian Shastri Institute & personal contacts & network.

Candidates apply along with 2-3 references from their peers and supervisors/professors.

The Academic Council reviews the application◦ Match between ISSJS mission & Candidates career goals ◦ References checked◦ Interviews each candidate on the phone

The Chairman of the Academic Council makes the final decision.

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Selection of Scholars

On each candidate, ISSJS ( USA & India combined) spends about $4,000-8,000 depending on the stream.

Stipend & Travel grant: Cash stipends for Grad Students & for Professors in the two months program

Selected books (5+) and comprehensive notes provided at subsidized prices.

India hospitality ◦ Full meals & quality lodging in India for all attending

scholars◦ High quality faculty hired and paid◦ Charges US$ 300 per scholar for inland travel and other

incidental expenses. For complete financial package, see details in

www.jainstudies.org

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Financial Outlay

ISSJS Office of Alumni Affairs shall maintain contacts and follow their progress.

The students write report/research papers to earn 6-9 credits from their respective university

University Professors ◦ work to establish regular courses in Jainism◦ Authoring books, research papers◦ Arranging seminars and special lecture

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What happens after their return to North America?

Prof Sarah Hadmack (taught Religious studies: Windward Comm College, University of Hawaii) MS Thesis Jain asceticism Writing article and chapter on Jain asceticism

Marcel Parent (PhD scholar Concordia University Montreal) Started offering classes in Jainism

Andrea Jain (Rice University, Houston) Teaching section on Jain Diaspora Univ.of Houston course: Indian Religion with emphasis on Jainism

Dr Shugan Jain’s visits to University of Ottawa (host Prof Anne Valley), Eastern Connecticut State Univ. (host Prof. Hope Fritz)

Scholars from Singapore & Thailand in 2006. Russia, Cambodia and Thailand in 2007.

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Significant Acheivements: Samples

Good awareness now of the need for Jain academic Studies at university campuses

Nearly 80 Scholars have graduated from this program so far.

Several ISSJS Alumnus have and are planning to enroll in PhD programs in Jainism

Before ISSJS , hardly any university had a regular course offerings in Jainism. Now, several universities have started offerings

At least 6 Alumni of ISSJS have started teaching courses in Jainism

More than 500 students are being exposed to Jainism regularly now

Contd….

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Significant achievements

About 3-4 college level text books and Chapters on Jainism are in preparation

First time in the history of AAR and DANAM, Several papers were presented in Jainism in 3 stand alone sessions.

Jainism presence at AAR and DANAM conferences will be an annual event.

A permanent Jainism panel will be established at future DANAM conferences.

ISSJS affiliated with Harvard University’s Pluralism project

ISSJS Scholars from Thailand organized seminars in Jainism at a university in Bangkok. This was a first

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Overseas Universities will start sending students to study Jainism & culture as part of their Study Abroad programs

Distance learning program on Jainism◦ Will take Jain learning to the whole world◦ Will use web as a distance learning medium◦ In cooperation with established

professors/programs◦ Work on Mission and Code initiated

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Expansion of Activities in Future

Creation of Jain Centers of Excellence or Jain Chair at universities

Establishment of Jain Libraries at various universities

May lead to a special Institute for systematic, broad, multidimensional, training of scholars and monks/nuns.

A University dedicated to Jain Studies in USA◦ Examples: Hindu Univ. of America, Maharishi Univ. of

Management, Southern Methodist Univ. etc. will be an incremental long-term goal.

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Growth: Long term

As a distinguished instructor or Jain representative◦ Past instructors:

As a participant◦ Professor in an academic/research institution◦ Graduate student exploring Jainism

Please visit the ISSJS web-site for◦ Further information www.jainstudies.org,

www.isjs.in ◦ Forms and deadlines

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How to Participate

Participate in the program

Help promote the program

We need to raise funds for the ISSJS mission ◦ Mahavir Vision Inc., is a tax-exempt non-profit

organization in US◦ ISJS is a Tax Exempt non-profit organization in India◦ Donations of $5,000, $1,000, $500 or any other amount

will help us achieve the aims of ISSJS

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How you can support ISSJS

Held annually after the ISSJS◦ In August or September◦ Hawaii 2005, Sedona AZ 2006, Boston/Ottawa 2007

All supporters and some faculty plus alumnus are invited◦ Thorough review of the just completed ISSJS◦ Suggestions and action items for improvements◦ Implementation review

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Annual Retreat for Supporters

Locations ◦ Harvard Pluralism Project◦ Jain Center of Boston ◦ Eastern Connecticut State U◦ Jain Sangh of Ottawa◦ India's High Commissioner to

Canada ◦ University of Ottawa ◦ Review and feedback

of the program

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Boston/Ottawa Retreat

THANK YOU & JAI JINENDRA

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