Q1. What is the Purpose & Objective of the school?

The 21st Century is hailed as the "Century of Asia" with India and China assuming world leadership positions. South Asian studies are making rapid advances in American universities, due to:

I. The new pluralistic outlook in the country;
II. The large and growing influx of immigrants from the subcontinent who give faces to Hinduism, Jainism, Buddhism, Sikhism, and Islam,
III. Increasing number of university faculty and physicians of Indian origin;
The emergence of religion as a major political player on the world stage and the felt need to think globally.

Jainism, even though the oldest of Indian traditions, has a comparatively miniscule status in academia in North America. Out of approximately 1000 colleges which offer courses at graduate and post- graduate levels in all disciplines (religion, philosophy, art, history, music, language) of South Asian studies only 17 academicians (in the estimate of Jain scholar Professor John Cort) in as many colleges are engaged in Jaina studies. That number is likely to dwindle, despite the fact that such courses are taught by highly trained professors with chairs in prestigious centers of learning.

Further, the Jain community, which is quite significant and growing in North America, prospers like no other community in the fields of business, medicine, engineering, etc. It is essential that the college-educated children of Jain families in the USA and elsewhere have access to the intellectual sources of their culture and take pride in disseminating it to others at the highest academic levels. More than pride, conditions in the world call for the type of culture and practice of humanitarian values and the urge to achieve that flow from the Jain ideas of Ahinsa, Anekanta and determination to realize the highest ideals.

Q2. How can I benefit by enrolling as a student?

This is a fast track, two-tiered (U.S./India) program open to all graduate students currently enrolled in American universities, regardless of race, religion, or citizenship. United States. Students are expected to enroll in three courses with Jain focus, prior to the field trip to India; during the field trip; and upon return to the U.S. India. Purpose of the field studies in India is to impart a basic grounding in the Jain religion within an Indian cultural context, where it is experienced as a lived reality. Through three seminars conducted daily by indigenous scholars, students will be provided with the basic intellectual tools for an understanding of select areas of Jainism. Through directed fieldwork, they will be introduced to the culture of Jainism through the media of visual and performing arts, temple worship, rituals, festivals, domestic ceremonies, and visits in Jain homes.

We are trying to provide you a theoretical cum lived in exposure to the wonderful principles of Jainism for enhancing peace and tranquility in your present and future lives. Empirical knowledge of the practicing saints and Tirathankars (those who have attained perfection) is explained based on logic and practical experiences.

Q3. How can I contribute to the school?

It depends on your interest. If you wish to learn, then you have to enroll in the summer school or ask for guidance. If you wish to offer your services as a teacher, as a volunteer, or as a donor, then please visit the respective title on the main page.

Q4. Who are the main resource persons of the school?

Please visit the title About US on the Home page for details. For more information, please contact Dr. Shugan Jain email svana@vsnl.com or Dr Sulekh Jain E-mail: scjain@earthlink.net. net Plus a lot, more can be added.

FAQ Jainism

We give below a number of Jain websites for your perusal. We ask you to please visit some of them to get basic information about your interest and then come back to us for more information. You may direct your questions to Dr. Shugan Jain, email: svana@vsnl.com or Dr Sulekh Jain email: scjain@earthlink.net We shall try to provide the answers or guide you to the most appropriate individual or institution for further information.