Dear Reader,
Jai Jinendra!
Among the many ways in which civilizations preserve their intellectual heritage, the composition of scriptures stands as one of the most consequential. In the Jain tradition, this impulse is commemorated through Shrut Panchami, which recalls the composition of the Shatkhandagama, guided by Acharya Dharasen and written by Acharyas Pushpadant and Bhutabali. It is also recognized as the first Jain scripture which is composed in Shauraseni Prakrit. This day is also celebrated as Prakrit Diwas, which honors Prakrit as the linguistic medium of Jain canonical texts, through which the Shatkhandagama and other foundational works were transmitted.
The International School for Jain Studies carries forward this enduring spirit today. Through education, research, scholarship, and intercultural dialogue, ISJS helps Jain wisdom reach new audiences worldwide, enabling future generations to learn, reflect, and cultivate a meaningful way of life.
Applications are now open for the 7th Bhagwan Mahavira Prakrit Fellowship. This prestigious nine‑month residential program will be held from September 1, 2026 to May 31, 2027 at the premises of Abhay Prabhavana, Pune. The fellowship offers a unique opportunity to develop proficiency in Prakrit and engaging deeply with Jain intellectual traditions. ISJS warmly invites aspiring scholars and researchers to apply. Applications will be accepted until July 10, 2026.
Read More →
Established to honor outstanding contributions to Jain studies, the Bhagwan Kunthunath ISJS Awards celebrate excellence in scholarly research and academic publishing. Books and research papers published between April 2025 and March 2026 are eligible for consideration. Scholars from across the world are warmly invited to submit their work for review and participate in this initiative that celebrates rigorous and meaningful academic engagement with Jain studies.
Read More →
An online lecture series on “Ahimsa – Nonviolence in Global Perspective” is being jointly hosted by the University of Hamburg, Germany, and Kyoto University, Japan, bringing together leading voices in Jain and comparative ethics. The series features distinguished scholars such as Dr. Priyadarshana Jain and Prof. Jeffery D. Long, reflecting a growing global engagement with the philosophy of nonviolence. Dr. Shrinetra Pandey, Director of ISJS, will contribute to the series with a lecture titled “Ahimsa: A Foundation of Jain Way of Life” on June 29, 2026, further highlighting the contemporary relevance of Jain ethical thought in global philosophical discourse.
Click here to Register online
ISJS Research Associate Pragya Jain has successfully submitted her PhD dissertation, marking an important milestone in her academic journey in Jain studies. Her research focuses on the subject of Jain meditation, contributing to the growing body of scholarship in this field. She submitted her thesis at Mohanlal Sukhadia University, Udaipur, under the supervision of Prof. Jinendra Kumar Jain.
Click here to read the abstract →
The Speak Up section in this edition features an article titled “The Sacred Sixty-Three: Religious Exemplars in the Shaiva Nayanar and Jain Shalakapurusha Traditions” by Dr. Navin Srivastav, Associate Director, ISJS.
Read Full Article →
We are excited to announce that ISJS has created a WhatsApp Group to keep our global members updated with the latest activities and initiatives.
Read More →
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
You are receiving this Newsletter because of your association with ISJS.
In case you want to unsubscribe Click Here