Jainsim prescribes a path of non-violence towards all living beings. It is one of the oldest Indian religions and has one of the richest heritages of learning and culture, together with a tradition of tolerance and synthesis. Jains have significantly influenced and contributed to ethical, political and economic spheres in India. As Jains have an ancient tradition of scholarship, they currently have the highest degree of literacy for a religious community in India and their libraries are the oldest in the country.
 
Introduction to Jainism is presented by faculty members of Jain Vishva Bharati University in Ladnun, Rajasthan. The course will include the following lectures:

(1)    Introduction to Jainism (meaning, goal, symbols)
(2)    Relevance of Jainism in the Modern Era
(3)    Preksha meditation (theory and practice)
(4)    Social significance of house holder’s vows
(5)    Key to reality: Nine Fundamentals of Jainism (Nine tattva)
(6)    Karma and non-violence

In addition, there’ll be discussion, Q & A, and meditation sessions.

Teachers:
Samani Aagam Pragjna is the assistant professor at Jain Vishva Bharati University’s Department of Jainology, Comparative Religion and Philosophy. Samani has published and edited many articles on Jainism, comparative religion, art, and science. She has also participated in many national and international conferences while delivering papers on topics such as Jain philosophy and science, social development and the value system in Jainism, as well as emotional development and non-violence. Samani is also an accomplished linguist who speaks Hindi, English, Gujarati, Sanskrit, Rajasthani and German.

Samani Rohit Pragya, also an assistant professor at Jain Vishva Bharati University, holds an M.A. in Philosophy and Comparative Religion at JVB University. She’s a disciple of Acharya Shree Mahashraman. Her expertise in languages include Hindi, Rajasthani, Gujarati and English. She has conducted workshops in philosophy, yoga and Preksha mediation and has attended many international conferences.