Dear Reader,
Jai Jinendra!
Jain philosophy teaches that every soul has the potential to become divine. God is not seen as a creator but as a soul that has reached its purest state. Thus, Jainism does not subscribe to the idea of a supernatural power governing the world. Instead, it recognizes a lineage of 24 Tirthankaras in each cosmic time cycle—enlightened beings who rediscover and teach the path to liberation. The current cycle begins with the first Tirthankara Rishabhdeva, born to King Nabhi and Queen Marudevi of Ayodhya on the eighth day of the dark half (Krishna Paksha) of the month of Chaitra. He is revered as both a spiritual exemplar and the founder of organized human civilization. He taught principles of mutual respect and interdependence as essential foundations for harmonious living.
ISJS summer study programs highlight these teachings of the Tirthankaras along with broader aspects of Jain philosophy and practice.
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ISSJS.2026 SUMMER SCHOOLS
ISJS is receiving an encouraging response from researchers, scholars, and students worldwide for its 21st International Residential Summer Schools. However, we are still seeking more motivated scholars and students to join the following residential programs this summer, especially those interested in an experiential study of Jainism.
K–12 teachers who wish to explore the application of nonviolence in their classrooms and in their personal lives are also warmly invited to apply.
Name of Program Dates Eligibility More Details ISSJS.2026-3W
June 18-July 08, 2026 Graduates, PhD candidates, postdocs, and faculty in Religious Studies, South Asian Studies, languages, anthropology, theology, and related fields. Read More
ISSJS.2026-5W
June 18-July 22, 2026 Advanced undergraduates (3rd & 4th year), graduate students, degree holders, PhD candidates, and faculty in Religion, Philosophy, South Asian Studies, Anthropology, and related fields. Read More
ISSJS.2026-TFP
July 02 - 22, 2026 K–12 teachers and educators committed to integrating practical nonviolence into their lives, classrooms, and school communities. Read More
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MASTER APABHRAMSA LANGUAGE AND GRAMMAR – LEARN ONLINE IN HINDI
A few seats are still available for the one-month online course on Apabhramsa Language and Grammar. The medium of instruction for this course will be Hindi. -
ACCESS THE FREE ONLINE PRAKRIT–HINDI–ENGLISH DICTIONARY TODAY!
The English translation by ISJS of Pt. Hargovind Das T. Sheth’s Paia-sadda-mahannavo, is underway. A partial version is now available online for free to assist in the study of Prakrit literature through both Hindi and English translations. -
BHAGWAN KUNTHUNATH ISJS AWARDS: CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS 2025–2026
ISJS is inviting submissions for works published between April 2025 and March 2026 for the Bhagwan Kunthunath ISJS Awards. -
BHAGWAN SHITALNATH JAIN CHAIR AT DECCAN COLLEGE MARKS TWO YEARS, RELEASES SECOND ANNUAL REPORT
The Bhagwan Shitalnath Chair for Jain Archaeology at Deccan College has successfully completed two years. The Chair has released its second annual report (December 2024 to December 2025). -
DISTINGUISHED BUDDHIST SCHOLARS VISIT ISJS IN PUNE
Renowned Buddhist scholars Dr. Peter Skilling (Thailand) and Dr. Dragomir Dimitrov (Germany) visited the Abhay Prabhavana Museum and Knowledge Centre in Pune, engaging with ISJS. -
SPEAK UP
This edition of the Speak Up section features an article titled “I am”: Exploring Self-Identity through Jain Values by Dr. Navin Kumar Srivastav, Associate Director, ISJS. -
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