Académique Documents
Professionnel Documents
Culture Documents
It is an honor to present this updated Version V.2.0 of collection of papers /articles /essays termed as Study
Notes and prepared under the auspices of The International Summer School for Jain Studies. These
distinguished scholars, who are the experts in their field of activity, are the faculty members of the school
during the last three years and have contributed to these notes.
The entire academic program of the school is designed to give a comprehensive experience of all aspects of
Jain philosophy, history and way of life. This syllabus is being continuously updated based on the feedback
received from the visiting scholars attending the school since its inception in 2005. The curriculum designed
keeping the needs of learned scholars from countries like USA, Canada, Russia, Thailand etc. attending the
summer school and adopted for ISSJS2008, is made a part of these essays to give a complete overview of
the academic program. We earnestly hope that the curriculum meets the aspirations of the visiting scholars
turned aspiring students of Jain academic studies and the visiting scholars become conversant with Jain
culture, religion, philosophy, and society etc. and take steps to do further research and contribute to the
knowledge on Jainism. References for further research are provided at the end of each paper. We have used
diacritical marks, placed at the beginning of the notes, to present Hindi / Prakrat and Sanskrit words and
verses in original form with English translations
These essays reflect upon the Jain wisdom rather to say the essence of Jain way of life. Jains claim their
religion to be eternal with its first trthakara Lord dintha and the most recent Lord Mahvra showing
the path to attain liberation /salvation. Jain religion had been revived from time to time by a series of 24
trthakaras/ omniscient lords. Keeping in view this aspect, we have included essays on Jain religion,
philosophy- cosmology metaphysics psychology and ethics along with papers on Jain history, culture,
preceptors, evolution of different sects, rituals, art and paintings, pilgrimages and their importance.
This collection is not yet complete, as few papers from some faculty members have not yet been received.
We expect to complete and update this collection by giving handouts from time to time and compile the
final edited version by December 2008.
It is expected that this collection of essays will succeed in its aim and give the message of Jain spiritual
prowess, Jain way of life, its practical approach to non-violence, vegetarianism, international cooperation
(parasaparopagraho jvnm), Live and let live to all the living beings (kliteu jveu daydrbhvam) and
friendship with all (satveu maitri).
This note will be incomplete without expressing our heartfelt thanks to the authors and faculty members of
the school who have on a voluntary basis taken the time to prepare and present these papers. Also, we thank
you, the visiting scholars from overseas to the school, as you are the sole aim for which these papers are
compiled. Kindly do provide your valuable suggestions to make these papers worth your and future
attending scholars time.
Module 2. Jain history, culture, preceptors, literature, arts, pilgrimages, festivals, evolution of sects,
thinkers and rituals (24)
2.1 Historical background (archeological, literature, pre-historical, historical, tradition)
2.2 Evolution of Jain sects and sub-sects; major differences. (2)
2.3 Tirathnkars, shlaka purushas, (Bharat, Rishabh, Nemi, Parasva)
2.4 Mahavira life and penance, special features
2.5 Jain arts incl. paintings (wall, caves, paper etc., idols, temple architecture (5)
2.6 Literature. Evolution of canons and present canons of two major sects, commentaries, puranas,
poems/devotional songs etc. (2)
2.7 Language of Jain literature and its importance.(2)
2.8 Jain literature in English, other western and modern Indian languages
2.9 Jain acaryas, thinkers and their contributions (3)
2.10 Culture. Emphasize spiritual purification, classless society, non-violence, elimination of gender bias and
evil habits.
2.11 Pilgrimage. Importance, important pilgrim places.
2.12 Festivals / celebrations / parvas
2.13 Influence of other philosophies on Jainism and vice versa.
2.14 Anthropological studies (2)