Dear Reader,
Jai Jinendra!
The monsoon season in India marks the beginning of Chaturmas, a four-month period during which religious life assumes a distinctive rhythm. In the Jain tradition, Chaturmas is also a period of sustained intellectual engagement. Communities organize lectures, engage in swadhyay (scriptural study), and discussions led by scholars and ascetics, providing spaces for learning and dialogue. The season begins on the first day of the dark fortnight of the month of shravana, which, according to certain Jain scriptures, is also regarded as yugadi, the beginning of a new year.
The International School for Jain Studies (ISJS) continues to learn from these traditions through its various academic programs and interactions with ascetics, scholars, and householders. Such engagements offer valuable insights into the lived practices of Jainism and contribute to a deeper understanding of the relationship between doctrine, practice, and contemporary society.
A unique opportunity to build expertise in Prakrit and Jain studies awaits aspiring scholars. Applications for the 7th Bhagwan Mahavira Prakrit Fellowship are open until August 20, 2026. Hosted at Abhay Prabhavana, Pune, the prestigious nine-month residential programme (September-May) offers intensive language training alongside the study of Jain intellectual traditions. With only a few seats remaining, interested students, researchers, and faculty members are encouraged to apply before the deadline.
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Recognition for outstanding scholarship in Jain studies begins with your submission. Entries are invited for the Bhagwan Kunthunath ISJS Awards 2025-2026, which honour exceptional books and research papers in Jain studies published between April 2025 and March 2026. Scholars who have authored eligible publications are encouraged to submit their entries for consideration. This is an opportunity to highlight significant contributions to the field and gain recognition from the wider Jain studies community.
Last date for submission: August 31, 2026
Applications are now open for the 10-day Online Winter Program offered by ISJS, providing a comprehensive introduction to Jain philosophy, ethics, and the Jain way of life. The program is designed for students, researchers, faculty members, teachers, professionals, and anyone interested in the academic study of Jainism. Participants will engage with distinguished scholars through lectures, interactive discussions, and conversations with Jain practitioners. Conducted in English, the programme will be held online from 28 December 2026 to 6 January 2027, welcoming participants from India and across the world.
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Loyola Marymount University (LMU) and ISJS have introduced The Jaina Experience: Texts and Practice, a five-part certificate programme examining Jain ethics, cosmology, yoga, and meditation through both classical texts and lived traditions. Beginning September 20, 2026, the programme combines live online instruction with an optional study tour in India, offering participants a unique opportunity to engage with Jain philosophy in both academic and experiential settings. Upon successful completion, participants will receive a certificate from Loyola Marymount University.
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The ISJS Summer School 2026 has successfully completed its academic sessions, with participants engaging in lectures on Jain philosophy, ethics, history, and culture, along with temple visits and interactions with Jain householders and ascetics. The program also featured an educational visit to Kumbhoj Bahubali and other Jain pilgrimage sites, followed by research paper writing and presentations. The variety of participants and their enthusiasm made the program successful.
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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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The Speak Up section in this edition features an article titled “Chaturmas in Jain Religious Tradition: A Sacred Journey of Spiritual Discipline” by Dr. Navin Kr. Srivastav, Associate 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
Veer Narmad South Gujarat University, Surat, has invited online applications for one Temporary Guest Scholar post under the Tirthankar Ajitnath Jain Study Programme (TAJSP) at the Centre for Hindu Studies. Applicants must possess a Master's degree in Jain Studies or related subjects. The programme is being conducted under a Memorandum of Understanding between the University and the Vardhman Charitable Foundation. The 11-month contractual position offers a consolidated salary of ₹1 lakh per month. Candidates with relevant postgraduate qualifications and experience can apply online by August 20, 2026 through the VNSGU recruitment portal.
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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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