Study Notes Preview
I am pleased to present this updated Version V.3.0 of collection of papers /articles /essays
termed as ‘Study Notes’ and prepared under the auspices of The International 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 fore years and have contributed to these notes.
This version has several improvements over the previous version in the form of:
- Editing for language, format, diacritical marks and reference numbers by our German
collaborators Dr. Aparigraha and Dr. Karuna Jain. They have rendered great support. I
have no word to express my and ISJS’s gratitude to them for their selfless service to
ISJS.
- Use of Unicode diacritical marks as against what we have been using previously to
make the notes email friendly.
- Addition of seven new papers to version V.2.0
The entire academic program of the school is designed to give a comprehensive experience of
all aspects of religion, philosophy-cosmology-metaphysics-psychology and ethics along with
papers on Jain history, culture, preceptors, and evolution of different sects, rituals, art and
paintings, pilgrimages and their importance. Based on the feedback received from the visiting
scholars attending the school since its inception in 2005, this syllabus is being continuously
updated. The curriculum designed keeps the needs of learned scholars from countries like
USA, Canada, Russia, Thailand and Cuba etc. attending the summer school in mind as well as
while preparing these notes. References for further research are provided at the end of each
paper.
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 ford-maker (tīrthańkara) Lord Ādinātha and the
most recent Lord Mahāvīra showing the path to attain liberation /salvation. Jain religion had
been revived from time to time by a series of 24 ford-makers/ omniscient lords.
I hope 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 jīvānām), Live and let live to all the living beings (klis.t.eśu
jīves.u dayādrbhāvam) and friendship with all (satves.umaitri).
This note will be incomplete without expressing my 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. I thank Mr. Sandeep Shastri research associate, Ms Vaishali Gupta and Ms. Chanchal Jain at ISJS India for their untiring work in incorporating changes and making it
available in its present form. Lastly, I 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 scholar’s time.
New Delhi
Dr. Shugan Chand Jain
Director ISSJS
Who is a Jain? Technically the term Jain is derived from Jina, a perfect human being who has
conquered the world and attained liberation. Here the world denotes the cycle of transmigration of
soul in birth-death-birth cycle and associated pains. He attains liberation by conquering his sensual
pleasures, expectations and invokes the full power of his soul that is infinite knowledge, bliss and
energy to enjoy these forever. A Jain is the one who follows the way of life and path of spiritual
purification as propagated by him. Thus we see Jain doctrine is based on the concept of realizing the
full potential of one‘s soul to achieve lasting peace in this and future lives. Jain doctrine talks of nonviolence,
self-restraint and austerities / penance to achieve these objectives both in our existence in
this world and at spiritual purification levels.
Today we shall have a brief look at Jainism from community, social, economic, education angles and
then proceed to see its philosophy and how it can perhaps guide our quest for unfolding secrets of
knowledge about our universe, and us and contribute to the betterment of life of all.
Statistics:
Lord Mahāvīra rejuvenated the ancient principles of Jainism in Eastern India some 2600 years ago.
Today Jains are mostly in Delhi, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Maharashtra and Karnataka.
Jains have also migrated to USA, UK and other countries in search of new wealth and opportunities.
Jains are generally very religious, peace loving, non-violent community who value education and hard
work to achieve their material and spiritual objectives. As per the recent census of Government of
India GOI, more than 98% Jains are literate with more than 50% at least graduates. Thus, we see
them in professions like medicine, law, engineering, IT and management while the others are in trade
and business. Dean Deepak Jain of Kellog Univ., Ajit Jain CEO of Buffet group, Navin Jain the IT
entrepreneur in USA, The Palanpurias in Antwerp controlling the diamond trade, Oswals, Patnis,
Walchands, Lalbhais, SP Jain etc. are just a few names who speak of Jains and their achievements.
Even though they are less than 0.5% of total population of India, it is estimated that they contribute
more than 5% of the GDP.
On the social front, they have set up more than 4800 schools and colleges in India, several thousands
hospitals and dispensaries, research institutes, orphanages and homes for elderly and destitute.
These figures dispel the notion that Jains are mostly self-centered and do not concern about the
society and its welfare.
Jains have always contributed significantly towards the arts, culture and other similar activities.
Śravaṇabelgola, Dilwara temple, Ranakpur, Jaisalmer, Sonījī ki Nasiā in Ajmer, Deogarh, Gopachal in
Gwalior, Ajantā and Ellorā caves, Elephanta caves in Orisa etc are shining examples of a
disproportionately high number of temples and pilgrimage places built and visited by Jains. Lal
Mandir, opposite Red Fort in Delhi is another example of Jains being in the forefront of Indian
religions. Now, Ātma Vallabh Smāraka in North Delhi, Ahiṃsā Sthala in South Delhi and over 500
temples and sthānakas in Delhi alone, are the newest additions in the contribution of Jains in art and
education. Similarly the amount of Prākrat and Sanskrit literature of Jains available from the start of
1st century BC is a shining example of the literally nature and contribution of Jains.
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