Dear Reader,
Jai Jinendra!🙏
Jainism, like other traditions, has a rich tradition of festivals that connect religious heritage with social life. Raksha Bandhan, commonly associated with sibling and familial bonds, also finds a significant place in Jain narrative tradition. It is associated with the account of Acharya Akampan, who led a group of 700 Jain ascetics, and Vishnukumar Muni, whose intervention protected them from fire. The narrative gives raksha a larger ethical significance, encompassing compassion, responsibility, courage, and the protection of spiritual values.
At the International School for Jain Studies (ISJS), such narratives are studied to deepen understanding of Jain heritage. Through scriptural studies, historical inquiry, research, value education, and engagement with lived traditions, ISJS presents Jainism as an intellectual and spiritual tradition.
Curious to understand Jainism beyond its traditions and practices? Join the 10-day ISJS Online Winter Program and embark on an engaging journey into Jain philosophy, ethics, and the Jain way of life. Whether you are a student, researcher, educator, professional, or simply curious about Jainism, this program offers a unique opportunity to learn from distinguished scholars and experienced Jain practitioners.
🌏 Open to participants worldwide
💻 Fully online | Conducted in English
📚 Learn from scholars and practitioners
🗓️ 28 December 2026 – 6 January 2027
⏰ Apply by November 10, 2026
Take a step toward understanding one of India’s profound philosophical traditions.
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The Bhagwan Kunthunath ISJS Awards 2025-26 invite scholars to submit outstanding books and research papers on Jain studies published between April 2025 and March 2026. We welcome scholars to share their work and join us in celebrating meaningful contributions to Jain studies.
Last date for submission: September 15, 2026
ISJS introduces its Value Education, Peace and Harmony Program for educators, helping teachers create compassionate, inclusive, and peaceful learning environments rooted in ahimsa (non-violence) and universal values. The 3-7 day program offers interactive workshops, teacher training, seminars, and customised sessions for schools, colleges, and academic institutions. For details and applications, contact info@isjs.in.
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Loyola Marymount University (LMU) and ISJS invite applications for The Jaina Experience: Texts and Practice, a five-part certificate program exploring Jain ethics, cosmology, yoga, and meditation through texts and lived traditions. Beginning 20 September 2026, the program combines online learning with an optional study tour in India. Successful participants will receive a certificate from Loyola Marymount University.
Limited scholarships are available for India-based participants. For details, contact snpandey@isjs.in
ISJS hosted an insightful online lecture, “Science That Matters: The Jain Quest for Inner Transformation,” delivered by Mr. Anubhav Jain and chaired by ISJS President Dr. Shugan C Jain as part of its online lecture series.
Drawing on Kundkund’s Panchastikay Sangraha, Mr. Jain explored the Jain approach to the treatment of the physical and karmic bodies for inner transformation, connecting philosophical insights with contemporary understanding. The lecture was held on 23 August 2026 and was attended by participants from India and beyond.
ISJS Director Dr. Shrinetra Pandey is visiting Japan under the academic agreement between Kyoto University and the ISJS. He presented a paper titled “Ahimsa: A Foundation of the Jain Way of Life” at the international symposium “Non-violence – Ahimsa: Jain Studies and Beyond,” held on August 29-30, 2026. The presentation examined Ahimsa as a foundational principle of Jain philosophy and religious practice. It was well received by scholars participating in the symposium and contributed to the academic discourse on Jain Studies.
A proud moment for ISJS! Shrabani Sarkar, recipient of the Bhagwan Mahavira Prakrit Fellowship 2025-26, has cleared the prestigious UGC NET-JRF in Prakrit, among just five candidates across India to qualify for JRF in the subject. Coming from Bengal and initially new to Devanagari, Sanskrit and Prakrit, her achievement reflects remarkable dedication and perseverance. She joins Anubhav Jain, Harshit Mishra, and Suvarna Jain as ISJS scholars who have previously cleared the examination, adding to the growing academic success of ISJS scholars.
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The Speak Up section in this edition features an article titled “Non-Violence: The Path of Mindful Self-Consciousness” by Dr. Muthu V. Prakash, Joint Director, ISJS.
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Applications are invited from Prakrit scholars to join a team of lexicographers at ISJS working to make this ancient Indian language more accessible to an international readership. The project offers an excellent opportunity for scholars with proficiency in Prakrit (Hemachandra grammar) and English. Applicant must have a comprehensive knowledge of Jainism. As only a limited number of positions are available, interested applicants are encouraged to apply at the earliest by sending an expression of interest along with their CV to snpandey@isjs.in
The Department of AIHC and Archaeology, Deccan College, Pune, under the aegis of the Bhagwan Shitalnath Chair for Jain Archaeology (funded by ISJS), conducted the third National Annual Research Seminar on Jain Art, Architecture and Archaeology on 14 August. The seminar brought together young scholars and researchers who presented their work on Jain art, architecture and archaeology, the history of Jainism, iconography, narratives, inscriptions, and related subjects.
The inaugural session was chaired by Vice Chancellor Prof. Prasad Joshi and Dr. Shrinetra Pandey, Director ISJS was the Guest of Honour. Prof. Shrinivas Padigar delivered the keynote address, and Dr. Shubha Majumder was the valedictory speaker.
We are excited to announce that ISJS has created a WhatsApp Group to keep our global members updated with the latest activities and initiatives.
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ISJS warmly invites its associates, alumni, and well-wishers to share regular feedback on our newsletters and activities. Your insights play a vital role in enhancing ISJS initiatives and expanding our outreach.
Read More →Email: info@isjs.in | Website: www.isjs.in
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