Jain community worldwide was bereaved by Kaal Dharma (passing away) of one of the great jain Acharyas of modern times, Acharya Param Pujya Shri Chandrashekhar Vijayji Maharaj Saheb on 8th August at Ahmedabad at the age of 79. He had not been well for some time and had been hospitalised during his last days. His[…]
IoJ in conjunction with two other institutions had organised a 15 day Manuscriptology Course – first ever in Gujarat in July 2011 in Ahemdabad. 35 students participated with our 30 external scholars and experts in manuscriptology gave talks on related subjects
IoJ had set up a stand at the Oshwal Association UK’s Mela. The mela had attracted a variety of businesses, finance houses, professional businesses along with traders, caterers for all vegetarian tastes and many other charitable institutions to participate in their biggest mela. IoJ had a very successful participation with large numbers subscribing to the JAINpedia’s e-newletter, voluntary services and general interest in the Institute’s activities.
Gujarat State Government’s Literary Academy actively encourages research and development of Gujarati language and promote its usage in all fields. To further this objective, it makes an award every year to a leading literary writer who through his creativity, research and discussions has contributed significantly towards these objectives. The award comprises of Rs100,000 in cash,[…]
Centre for Jain Studies at the School of Oriental & African Studies is organising a major symposium on Biodiversity Conservation & Animal Rights. A wide range of prominent scholars from different backgrounds will be delivering papers.
Jain Samaj, under the chairmanship of Smita Shah hosted a conference to discuss how the school visits to faith centres be more beneficial and informative.
Institute’s Director/Secretary, Dr Sanghrajka was invited to attend the Praudh Shibir (Retreat for the mature members) held from 3rd to 5th June at Woodhouse near Loughborough, Leicestershire. He was requested to speak at theconcluding ceremony to give information on JAINpedia and also provide some concluding remarks for the Shibir. Both the topics were well received[…]
Mahavir Jayanti in 2011 was celebrated at British Library, London. Institute of Jainology already set up an exhibition of some of the rare Jain Manuscripts in the Sir John Ritblat Gallery (Treasures Room) which will continue late in to this year. To celebrate the Mahavir Jayanti and to attract the Jain Community members to the Library, Bharat Natyam recital had been arranged along with Jain story telling by the acclaimed Seema Anand. The event was a major success.
Prof. Gary Francione, Distinguished Professor of Law and Philosophy at Rutgers University, New Jersey has written this short but very timely essay titled:
“The Birth of the Spiritual Leader Who Gave us Ahimsa”
He talks about the ancient religions of India with Jainism being the oldest. He explains who is a Tirthankara or a Jina.
He goes on to talk about how mahavir promoted the social justice. How he recognised souls in forms other than humans and was the first ecologist.
He explains how the concept of Ahimsa both by thought, speech and action came about and Anekantvaad along with Aparigraha.
He ends the article with a quotation from Acharang Sutra:
“All breathing, existing, living, sentient creatures should not be slain, nor treated with violence, nor abused, nor tormented, nor driven away.”
London 22nd March 2011 The Institute of Jainology (“IoJ”) held a reception at the British Library on 22nd March 2011. The reception celebrated the JAINpedia display in The John Ritblat Gallery: Treasures of the British Library. The event began with JAINpedia guides taking the guests on a tour of the magnificent display of the Jain[…]