ISSJS: ISSJS International Summer School for Jain Studies


INTERNATIONAL SUMMER SCHOOL FOR JAIN STUDIESISSJS: INTERNATIONAL SUMMER SCHOOL FOR JAIN STUDIES ISSJS Sponsored by MAHAVIR VISION, INC. (USA) & INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL FOR JAIN STUDIES (ISJS), India.


Jainism as part of South Asian Studies in North America: Jainism as part of South Asian Studies in North America 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


Motivation: Jainism in the Modern World: Motivation: Jainism in the Modern World 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


Why Jains Must Use New Approaches: Why Jains Must Use New Approaches 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.


Building Temples is Not Enough: Building Temples is Not Enough 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.


Objectives of ISSJS: Objectives of ISSJS Comprehensive scholarly and experiential introduction to Jainism Applicable to academic studies in international universities, North America in particular Intensive 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.


ISSJS Approach: Scholarship & Practical Introduction: ISSJS Approach: Scholarship & Practical Introduction 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


How ISSJS Scholars will spread Jainism: How ISSJS Scholars will spread Jainism 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 Modernization of Jain Studies in India


Benefits to Jainism in India: Benefits to Jainism in India 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.


International Summer School for Jain Studies (ISSJS) : International Summer School for Jain Studies (ISSJS) Voluntary, non-government non-profit project Funded by a few philanthropists in USA, U.K, Canada & India. Past summer schools June - July 2005, 7 Scholars June - July 2006 , 14 Scholars Professors and scholars from the USA, Canada, Singapore and Thailand participated.


2005 Summer School Glimpses: 2005 Summer School Glimpses It has been one of the most rewarding studies that I have undertaken. HF


2006 Program Glimpses: 2006 Program Glimpses I am deeply committed to furthering Jain studies. It is both a personal and academic commitment AV


ISSJS 2007 in Progress: ISSJS 2007 in Progress Selected applicants and Professors University of Ottawa, Canada: 18 persons Honolulu HI: 4 persons Mainland USA: 6 persons from various institutions Russia: 1 person


More Comments by Attendees: More Comments by Attendees 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. HF. We all marvel at your skills in “managing” situations and people. AV The scholarship & traveling have been incredible. My work is forever changed.


Recent Curriculum: Recent Curriculum 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


Teaching Methods: Teaching Methods Preparation of lectures in advance by teachers 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


Selection of Scholars: Selection of Scholars Potential participants reached through: Dept Chairs, Past alumnus, American Acad. Religious Teachers Convention, ISSJS Web-site 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.


Financial Outlay : Financial Outlay On each candidate, ISSJS ( USA & India combined) spends about $8,000. Stipend: $2,000 for Students & $3000 for Professors Selected books (5+) and notes provided Travel: Round trip airfare between USA & India Full meals & quality lodging in India for 2 months High quality faculty hired and paid Special Inauguration and Graduation/Valedictory functions.


What happens after their return to North America? : What happens after their return to North America? 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


Significant Acheivements: Samples: Significant Acheivements: Samples 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 Houston Univ. 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 & UK scholars likely in 2007.


Indian Institutions : Indian Institutions Participating institutions Bhogi Lal Leherchand Institute of Indology, Delhi Jain Vidhya Sansthan, Shri Mahavirji (Jaipur Branch), Raj Jain Vishwa Bharati Institute, Ladnun, Raj Kundkund Gyanpeeth, Indore, MP Tulsi Global Meditation Centre, Gurgaon, Haryana Jain Academic Educational & Research Centre, Mumbai University National Institute of Prakrit Studies and Research, Shravanbelgola Naval Veerayatan, Pune, Maharashtra Implementing Organization International School for Jain Studies, Delhi


Overseas Academic Council: Overseas Academic Council Includes some of the best known overseas scholars on Jainism Prof. Cromwell Crawford, U of Hawaii, Director Prof. Padmanabh S. Jaini, U of California, Berkeley, Cal Prof. Christopher Key Chapple, Loyola Marymount U. Cal Prof. Hope Fitz, Eastern Connecticut State University Prof. John Cort, Dennison, U. Ohio Dr. Anne Vallely, University of Ottawa, Canada Dr. Natubhai Shah, London, U.K Sarah Hadmack, U of Hawaii


India Academic Council: India Academic Council Includes distinguished scholars with expertise in various aspects of Jain studies Director: Dr. Shugan Chand Jain , Delhi Prof. Kamal Chand Sogani, Jaipur Prof. Sagar Mal Jain, Shajapur Prof. Kusum Jain, Jaipur Samani Chaitanya Pragya, Ladnun Dr N.P.Jain, Indore Prof. Anupam Jain, Indore Prof. M.L. Jain, Delhi, Coordinator


Expansion of Activitiesin Future: Expansion of Activities in Future 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


Growth: Long term: Growth: Long term Creation of Jain Centers of Excellence or Jain Chair at universities May lead to a special Institute for systematic, broad, multi-dimensional, 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.


How to Participate: How to Participate 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 Forms and deadlines www.jainstudies.com


How you can support ISSJS: How you can support ISSJS 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


Annual Retreat for Supporters: Annual Retreat for Supporters Held annually after the ISSJS In August or September Hawaii and Sedona AZ in 2005/2006 All supporters and some faculty plus alumnus are invited Thorough review of the just completed ISSJS Suggestions and action items for improvements Implementation review


Contacts: Contacts Web: http://www.jainstudies.com or http://jainstudies.org Write to by email/mail or call Prof. Cromwell Crawford, Hawaii, crmwllcrwf@aol.com Phone (808) 395-2238 (home) and (808) 271-3387 (cell) Dr. Sulekh C. Jain, Texas scjain@earthlink.net (281) 494 7656 and (832) 594 8005 ( cell) Dr. Tansukh J. Salgia, Ohio  jainunity@yahoo.com (740) 965 2627 Dr. Shugan Jain, Delhi svana@vsnl.com ; shugan_jain@yahoo.com +91 (98) 1813 9000, +91 (11) 2649 1228. Dr. Natubhai Shah, London, natubhaishah@aol.com  +44 (20) 8455 5573 Dr. Yashwant Malaiya, ymalaiya@yahoo.com (970) 491 7031 Dr. Dilip Bobra, Phoenix, dkbobra@gmail.com (480) 839 2682 and (314) 910 9446


ISSJS: For the Future of Jainism: ISSJS: For the Future of Jainism Creating the next generation of scholars and young Jains Global Prabhavana of Jainism: Taking the message of Jainism to the whole world Modern and thorough programme Your support and contributions critical to the success of this project.