Dear Reader,
Jai Jinendra!
The samadhimaraṇa (death in a state of meditative equanimity) of Acharya Vardhaman Sagar at Kunthalgiri last week has renewed attention to one of Jainism's most profound spiritual ideals. When undertaken through sallekhana (the gradual, voluntary thinning of the passions and the body at the end of life), it represents not withdrawal from life, but the culmination of a lifetime of self-discipline, non-attachment, and inner awareness.
Moments like these remind us that Jain concepts are best understood through careful study rather than popular perception. By promoting the academic study of Jain philosophy, history, texts, and practices, the International School for Jain Studies ‘ISJS’ seeks to foster a deeper appreciation of the rich intellectual and spiritual heritage of Jainism among scholars and the community.
ISJS invites applications for its 10-day Online Winter Program on Jain philosophy, ethics, and way of life. Designed for students, researchers, faculty members, teachers, professionals, and anyone with a serious interest in Jainism, the program features lectures by distinguished scholars, interactive discussions, and conversations with Jain practitioners Classes will be held online in English from 28 December 2026 to 6 January 2027. We welcome participants from India and around the world to join this enriching academic experience.
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Applications for the 7th Bhagwan Mahavira Prakrit Fellowship close on 31 July 2026. This prestigious nine-month residential programme, hosted at Abhay Prabhavana, Pune, runs from 1 September 2026 to 31 May 2027 and offers intensive training in Prakrit language alongside the study of Jain intellectual traditions. Prospective scholars and researchers interested in pursuing Prakrit are encouraged to submit their applications before the deadline.
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Loyola Marymount University (LMU) and the International School for Jain Studies (ISJS) have announced The Jaina Experience: Texts and Practice, a five-part certificate program exploring Jain ethics, cosmology, yoga, and meditation through foundational texts and lived traditions. Beginning September 20, 2026, the program features live online classes, an optional study tour in India, and a certificate from LMU upon completion.
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The Bhagwan Shitalnath Chair for Jain Archaeology at Deccan College Post-Graduate and Research Institute, has announced the Third National Annual Research Seminar on Jain Art, Architecture and Archaeology. Scheduled for August 22, 2026, the seminar aims to promote interdisciplinary research while bridging the gap between textual and material studies of Jainism. Scholars from across India are invited to submit abstracts by July 20, 2026. Selected presenters will receive travel reimbursement, accommodation, and the opportunity to present their research.
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Submissions remain open for the Bhagwan Kunthunath ISJS Awards 2025-2026. Scholars are invited to share books and research papers in Jain studies published between April 2025 and March 2026. If you or your colleagues have produced eligible scholarly work during this period, we encourage you to submit it for consideration and recognition.
Last date for submission: August 31, 2026
The ISJS Summer School has reached an exciting milestone: Emma Cohler, Ryushin Sudo, and Sauradeep Majumdar have successfully completed the 3 Week Program. Meanwhile, participants in the 5 Week Program continue their academic journey with a field visit to Kumbhoj Bahubali and nearby Jain heritage sites. Their experience includes interactions with Jain ascetics, followed by the preparation of research papers that integrate classroom learning with fieldwork insights.
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The Bhagwan Shitalnath Chair for Jain Archaeology at the Department of Ancient Indian History, Culture and Archaeology, Deccan College Post-Graduate and Research Institute continues to strengthen research on Jain archaeology through the support of ISJS. During the period January-June 2026, the Chair undertook a range of academic, research, and outreach initiatives, furthering its mission to promote the study, documentation, and preservation of India's rich Jain archaeological heritage.
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INDICA has published a feature article, “From 'I' to 'We': Dr. Shugan Jain and the Rediscovery of Jainism as a Knowledge Tradition,” highlighting ISJS President Dr. Shugan Jain's efforts to present Jainism as a living intellectual tradition. The article examines his contributions to advancing Jain studies through academic engagement, research, and institution-building, while underscoring the contemporary relevance of Jain principles and the role of ISJS in fostering scholarship and cross-cultural dialogue. The feature appears as part of INDICA's Guru Utsava 2026, which celebrates this year's distinguished nominees.
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The Speak Up section in this edition features an article titled “Debate as a Path to Truth: Modern Scenario” by Mr. Harshit Mishra, Research Associate, ISJS.
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Applications are invited from Prakrit scholars to participate in a Prakrit-to-English translation project aimed at making the ancient Indian language accessible to a wider international readership. The project offers a valuable opportunity for scholars with proficiency in Prakrit and an interest in translation to contribute to the dissemination of Jain knowledge. As only a limited number of positions are available, interested applicants are encouraged to apply soon by writing to snpandey@isjs.in
The Global Philosophy of Religion 2 (GPR-2) Project hosted by the University of Birmingham has issued a Call for Abstracts for its third international conference, Spiritual Realities and the Ends of Humanity: Engaging Indian Philosophy with Contemporary Philosophy of Religion, to be held at the Department of Humanities and Social Sciences, IIT Bombay, Mumbai, from 11-13 January 2027. Abstract submissions are now open, with 12 August 2026 as the deadline for applicants seeking travel bursaries and 15 September 2026 for those not requesting funding.
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The Leslie Center for the Humanities at Dartmouth College invites applications for Mellon Postdoctoral Fellowship in the Department of Religion for 2027-2029. The fellowship is open to scholars specializing in South Asian religions whose research engages with karmic traditions, including Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism. Applicants from both premodern and contemporary fields, using a range of methodologies, are encouraged to apply. The applications are open until 16 September 2026.
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The Study of Religion Interdepartmental Program (IDP) at University of California, Los Angeles has announced a part-time Lecturer in Jainism and South Asian Religions for the 2026-2027 academic year. The successful candidate will teach four undergraduate courses, including two in Jain Studies, one comparative course on Jainism and non-violent religious traditions, and one course on Religions of India. Applicants should hold a Ph.D. in Religious Studies, Philosophy, Anthropology, Sociology, Literature, or a related field. The applications should be submitted by July 20, 2026 for full consideration.
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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.
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