FROM THE EDITOR'S DESK
Dear Reader,
Jai Jinendra!
The Brahmi script acts as a bridge across time and geography. It forms the foundation for various writing systems in Southern and Southeastern Asia. Ancient inscriptions—etched on rock, metal, and palm leaves—reveal the triumphs of emperors, the wisdom of sages, and spiritual quests. Deciphering Brahmi unlocks the secrets of long- lost dynasties, shedding light on their governance and beliefs. According to the Avashyak Bhashya, Brahmi is named after the daughter of the first tirthankara Rishabhdeva. King Rishabhdeva recognized education as essential for girls and taught both his daughters to write. Brahmi learned to write left-to-right, while her sister Sundari mastered writing numerals downwards.
Brahmi isn’t a relic consigned to museums; it lives within us. It is crucial for scholars of Indian history, religion, and philosophy. Jainism, Buddhism, and Hinduism preserved their sacred texts in this script. From Lord Mahavira's teachings to the sutras of Gautama Buddha and Vedic hymns—all find expression in Brahmi characters. By mastering Brahmi, scholars access the spiritual heritage of the subcontinent, transcending linguistic barriers. Beyond academia, Brahmi inspires artists, designers, and calligraphers with its graceful curves. Whether etched in stone or rendered digitally, its aesthetic appeal endures, reminding us of the intertwining of art and language across millennia.
After the successful completion of Summer School, the workshop on Brahmi script by the International School for Jain Studies ‘ISJS’ has attracted participants from all walks of life who are diligently learning how to read and write this ancient script from July 30th , 2024. By the time the workshop concludes, we will be ready to welcome the participants of the fifth Bhagwan Mahavira Prakrit program from September 1, 2024.
Jai Jinendra!
The Brahmi script acts as a bridge across time and geography. It forms the foundation for various writing systems in Southern and Southeastern Asia. Ancient inscriptions—etched on rock, metal, and palm leaves—reveal the triumphs of emperors, the wisdom of sages, and spiritual quests. Deciphering Brahmi unlocks the secrets of long- lost dynasties, shedding light on their governance and beliefs. According to the Avashyak Bhashya, Brahmi is named after the daughter of the first tirthankara Rishabhdeva. King Rishabhdeva recognized education as essential for girls and taught both his daughters to write. Brahmi learned to write left-to-right, while her sister Sundari mastered writing numerals downwards.
Brahmi isn’t a relic consigned to museums; it lives within us. It is crucial for scholars of Indian history, religion, and philosophy. Jainism, Buddhism, and Hinduism preserved their sacred texts in this script. From Lord Mahavira's teachings to the sutras of Gautama Buddha and Vedic hymns—all find expression in Brahmi characters. By mastering Brahmi, scholars access the spiritual heritage of the subcontinent, transcending linguistic barriers. Beyond academia, Brahmi inspires artists, designers, and calligraphers with its graceful curves. Whether etched in stone or rendered digitally, its aesthetic appeal endures, reminding us of the intertwining of art and language across millennia.
After the successful completion of Summer School, the workshop on Brahmi script by the International School for Jain Studies ‘ISJS’ has attracted participants from all walks of life who are diligently learning how to read and write this ancient script from July 30th , 2024. By the time the workshop concludes, we will be ready to welcome the participants of the fifth Bhagwan Mahavira Prakrit program from September 1, 2024.
