Jain Digest 2007 11 1

Author(s): Federation of JAINA
Publisher: USA Federation of JAINA

Page 47

Prakrit, Jabalpur
Jain Kendra, Rewa (M.P.)
University of Rajasthan Centre for Jain Studies, JaipurKundkund Bharati, New Delhi
Mahaveer Granth Academy, Tonkphatak, Jaipur (Rajasthan) Prakrit Research Institute, Vaishali, (Bihar)
Prakrit Vidya Shodh Sanstahn, VARANASI Rajasthan Prakrit Bharati, Jaipur-3 Research Foundation for Jainology, Madras
Shukhadia University, Department of Jainology and Prakrit. Udaipur (Rajasthan)
University of Mysore, Department of Jainlolgy and Prakrits, Mysore
Seva Mandir, Jodhpur (Rajasthan)
Sanskrit University, Jain Agam and Prakrit Dept., Varanasi (U.P.)
Rajaram College. Department of Ardhamagadgi, Kolhapur (Maharashtra)
University of Madras, Department of Jainology, MADRAS Jodhpur University, Department of Prakrit, JODHPUR Karnataka University, Department of Jainology, Dharwad
Jainism & Related topics at Higher Education Institutions
-Compiled by Guest Editorial Team
It is ironic that even as the western world is facing the aftermath of 9/11 and waging war in Iraq and other nations claimed to be a threat to the western world, the interest in peace and nonviolence too has peaked. This is evident from the fact that a number of institutes of higher education are attracting students interested in such topics. Florida International University offered a course in Jainism for the first time in the Fall 2006 Quarter, and decided to offer it for yet another quarter. Samani Charitra Pragya continues her course in the current Winter Quarter. Elsewhere, other universities are incorporating Jainism as part of Asian Religions coursework. ISSJS is playing a leading role in bringing Jainism in the field of view of various individuals at nation's well known universities, and gaining momentum, as evident by the increased enrollment in its summer programs, and its after-effects by the university course work incorporating Jainism. In addition, activities in relation to non-violence and using Jain way in anger management among interfaith engagements continue across the nation, aided by the efforts of various volunteers at various Jain Centers. As Lissa, a student in Samani Charitra Pragya's class put it: "The philosophical ideals of the ancient Indian religion, Jainism, if taught to the entire population, irrespective of religion, can help us to live harmoniously with other living beings and to establish a healthy planet." As the saying goes 'Strike the iron while it is hot', the time to Educate the people looking for a ray of hope for a peaceful society about the message of Ahimsa and Jainism is NOW!
Jain Education Intemational
Samani Charitra Pragya on her course in Jainism at FIU, Florida
JAIN DIGEST⚫ Winter 2007
Teaching in America: Teaching in an American institution was a new experience. The staff members were very helpful and they helped us get acquainted with the system. The chair of the department Pro.Gudorff and all the other professors were friendly and made us feel at home. The professors not only invited us as guest lecturer but also exposed us and the subject to the students. Their approach was very inclusive, and supportive of increasing awareness of Jainism. The students were quite inquisitive and were imbibing (absorbing) the subject material very well. They participated in different class activities with great enthusiasm.
Students: Students were mainly inquisitive about the life of a nun. This was not unnatural, as a professor who is dressed in a white robe and is introduced as a Jain nun would create curiosity. The next important topics of interest were nonviolence, women in Jainism and more. Here are a few frequently asked questions which depicts their inquisitiveness and their depth of understanding
1. Why do you use a white cloth when you speak? What is your life style, why do nuns not marry?
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What is the status of women in Jainism?
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Having such a profound philosophy of non-violence, what are Jains doing in the present scenario [of war and aggression]?
Do two tirthankaras speak the same reality?
How does meditation help and how do we practice it? What is the dividing line between necessary and unnecessary violence?
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Is playing soccer necessary violence or unnecessary violence? Is defending oneself violence?
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10. Why can one not achieve liberation now?
11. According to Jainism, how did the world start off? 12. With the theory of limited possession, why are many Jain followers rich?
13. What gives better result, hard work or karma? Student Quotes:
"From the first day of the course I understood that this class would be different from all of my other classes of the semester.... Learning about a religion from an academic and objective perspective is great but it can't provide some of the intuition and comprehension that the experiential and subjective perspective can provide. Being taught by a professor who is personally involved in the religion allows the teacher to not only express an academic focus but a focus on personal well being and spirituality as well. A student can walk out of a class like this with an air of better life quality." -Anthony Gonzalez
shiksha