ISJS EXPRESSES CONDOLENCES ON THE PASSING OF JOHANNES BRONKHORST (1946-2025)

Prof. Johannes Bronkhorst, a distinguished Indologist and scholar of Indian philosophy, passed away on May 14, 2025. He served as Professor of Sanskrit and Indian Studies at the University of Lausanne from 1987 to 2011, after which he held the title of Emeritus Professor until his death. His contributions to the study of Jainism, alongside his extensive work on Buddhism and Brahmanism, have left an indelible mark on the field of South Asian studies.

Prof. Bronkhorst's research on Jainism explored its philosophical traditions, linguistic developments, and interactions with other Indian religions. His work illuminated the historical and intellectual exchanges between Jainism and Buddhism, particularly in the early centuries of Indian thought.

Some of his notable works related to Jainism include:
• Early Evidence for Jaina Meditation in the Buddhist Canon (1982)
• The Two Traditions of Meditation in Ancient India (1993)
• Greater Magadha: Studies in the Culture of Early India (2007)
• Language and Reality: On an Episode in Indian Thought (2011)

His passing is a great loss to the academic community, but his legacy will continue to inspire scholars and students for generations to come. ISJS mourns his departure and honors his invaluable contributions to Jain studies.

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