• Elements of Psycho-analysis in Jainism
• Formal logic in Jainism
• Scientific interpretation of Cognitive abilities in Jainism
• Treatment of cognitive distortion through Jain Principles
• Creativity and Jainism

• Number theory in Jainism
• Mathematical and Scientifical ideas in Jain Karma Theory
• Metaphysics and physics in Jainism
• Scientific concept of consciousness in Jainism

Jainism is one of the oldest religions and philosophical streams of the world. It was born and flourished with many other religions in India and has great influence on other religions. Jain philosophy encompasses all aspects of life. At personal level it enables one to keep healthy by dietary control and self discipline, mentally alert and peaceful by meditational techniques and provides methods to develop one's consciousness to higher stage leading to enlightenment. At social level, Jain philosophy provides ways to live in harmony, not within human society but also amongst all living creatures through non violence, tolerance, forgiveness and by minimizing ones requirements.

As far as scientific content of Jainism is concerned, it was the first religion to propound non-creationism. It emphasized that the Universe is without beginning or end and it exists forever through its 'svabhava' (by natural laws). Its supreme tenet of 'ahimsa' (non-injury to all sorts of living beings from smallest insects to the most developed human beings) made its ancient scholars to study the biosphere thoroughly. It came very near to modern science as regards connection between organic and inorganic matter by venturing to predict some sort of living organism in earth-bodied, water-bodied, air-bodied and fire-bodied living organisms.

Human beings are the most evolved creatures on this planet. Brain is the centre of the human nervous system and is highly complex organ. Its working, changes with environment and improvement with meditation and other religious practices are current areas of research across the globe. Brain neocortex is actively involved in emotion and social behaviour processing.

One of the important components of Jainism at personal level is meditation. In essence, meditation is an ancient Eastern tradition and its different forms are being practiced in most of the world's religions. Meditation reverses the roles of the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems. Over the last three decades, the study of brain function has witnessed a pivotal change with focus on localization of specialized brain areas and their functional networks.

Recent scientific research is trying to resolve many facts and doubts associated with meditation. Various modalities adopted to investigate meditation are psychosocial evidences (through questionnaire), biochemical and hormonal assays, imaging techniques (CT, fMRI, SPECT, PET, etc) and electrophysiological studies (EEG, evoked potentials, galvanic skin resistance, etc).

Many studies over past three decades have demonstrated direct, positive, physiological and psychological long term changes as a result of practicing meditation. Studies on meditation have linked positive therapeutic impact on many diseases such as chronic pain, cardiovascular diseases, obsessive compulsive disorders, anxiety and panic disorder, dermatological disorders and symptoms of distress for cancer patients. Several investigations have been made on Preksha Meditation (PM) too. PM has been beneficial in many aspects of emotional and mental health.

Thus it is essential to document scientifically the effects of the Jain practices in the modern language to be acceptable. There is an urgent need to start study and research initiative on Jainology and make its benefits available to the mankind. Jain Vishva Bharati, with a rich Library on Indology and Jainology is willing to undertake research in Jain Mathematics and Science on the backdrop of contemporary science and modern science.

To scientifically analyse and validate concept of Jainism and other religion and philosophies.

• Evolution of animal kingdom including human
• Evolution of brain across the ages
• View of Jainism vs Darwin and other current scientific knowledge
• Concept of brain and mind in religion and current scientific perspective
• Comparative study of different types of meditation etc.

• Evolution theories of aging
• Aging in human across the globe in historical perspective
• Comparative study of different types of meditation etc.

Assessment of brain and other body functions is based physiological (EEG, autonomic, ECG, Respiratory etc), psychological, imaging (fMRI, SPECTS, Doppler blood flow studies etc), biochemical and hormonal parameters, and genetic studies. Initially we will concentrate on electrophysiological including autonomic functions and psychological functions.

A modern laboratory facility will be set up. The Laboratory building will be provided by JVBI but it has to be converted into a laboratory by making it dust proof, temperature control etc. Three labs are envisaged for biology, medical science, and bio-chemistry. Only elementary instruments which are commonly used will be set up in these laboratories for use by scholars. More advanced machines will be used in other institutions, wherever they are available on payment basis.

• Regular camps for 7-10 days for Preksha meditation are held at JVBI complex. These subjects will be evaluated for "Short Term Effects of Meditation".
• Students of Kalu Kanya Mahavidyalaya will be motivated for PM training and will be evaluated for "Effects of Meditation at 2 and 4 Months".
• Expert meditators e.g. teachers of meditation.
• Meditation done at centres outside Ladnun.

• Enhancing Ahimsa & Peaceful Coexistence Through Spiritual Practices: Psycho-biological Studies to Investigate Effects of Yoga and Preksha Dhyan on Aggressiveness and Academic Performance of School Children.
• Preksha Meditation and Health of Elderly.
• To Review Karma Theory using Scientific Methodology of Radionics.

Somatic diseases: e.g. sleep disturbances, headache, intelligence, control of hypertension & reversal of atherosclerosis, control of diabetes, respiratory diseases, irritable bowel syndrome.

Psychological disorders: behavioural problems, stress related problems, inadequate school performance, inadequate job performance.

• Medical Ethics in Jainism
• Meditation and Ethics
• Human Rights in Jain Philosophy
• Gender Equality in Jainism
• Jainism and Business Ethics

There have been considerable amount of work on Jain philosophy, religion and languages. In comparison, social scientific studies of the Jain community and its various aspects, namely demography, social organization, economic and occupational structure, migration in India and abroad, political participation, Jain ethics and the way of life, inter-ethnic relations with Hindus, Muslims and other communities, etc have been few and far between.

With rare exceptions, not a single Jain academic institution in India is devoted to carry out research on these themes from the perspectives of social science disciplines such as anthropology/sociology, demography, history, political science, psychology, ethics, environmental science, etc. Undoubtedly, the Jains are the least researched community in India.

Clearly there is an urgent need for identifying the knowledge gaps in the social scientific studies of the Jain community as well as religion. The Jain community and its leadership, both sacred and secular, need to be sensitized to the importance of the Jain social studies. Before it is too late, a well thought out strategy by Jain research institutions, associations, business houses and NGOs to plan and execute social science research projects on the Jain community is the need of the hour. In this regard, the Jains can certainly learn a lesson or two from the Jews who constitute one of the most researched communities in the world.

Jainism is often considered an "other worldly" religion which puts great emphasis on asceticism and salvation. This is however only one side of the coin — the other being the fact that Jainism equally emphasizes the "in worldly" things, the individual wellbeing and human welfare in society. The Jain religious values and ethics, especially ahimsa, aparigraha and the philosophical doctrines of karma, anekantvaad and syadvaad are all geared to a better social as well as individual life.

Most Jains believe that Jainism, with its four-fold organization of followers, provides a very positive, meaningful and practical approach for Jains to live a peaceful, happy, prosperous and socially sensitive and involved community life.

It is also maintained that Jain philosophy lays more emphasis on personal conduct and practices and less on social and political aspects. Jain Acharyas insisted only on personal code and left the social and political codes open to be decided by shravakas depending on the circumstances.

The question is what is the relationship between Jain code of conduct and (i) quality of life (ii) social system (iii) political system (iv) ethical system (v) family life (vi) social structure and conduct, etc. leaving aside the goal of liberation.

These questions need to be addressed in the research plan for the Center. We must know what is the role of prescribed Jain practices and codes and to what extent they are helpful in creating a healthy family, healthy society and a healthy world. Field studies and carefully planned experiments can generate information to assess the effectiveness of Jain ideas in social, national and global context and validate the philosophy propounded by Arihants.

To establish a premium academic center for promoting research and studies on Jain ethical principles and their assumed and potential impact on environmental, and social issues in India and abroad.

The following are the major objectives of the chair on Ethics, Environment and Social Sciences:

• To revisit the ancient and medieval Jain texts on ethical code of conduct and their relevance for modern times.
• To study and analyze the Jain ethical principles in relation to the present-day environmental issues.
• To analyze the impact of Jain doctrines of ahimsa, aparigraha and anekant on the evolution of Jain communities in India and abroad.
• To study from various social sciences perspectives a whole range of demographic, educational, economic, socio-cultural, political and allied issues faced by the Jain community in India.
• Promote publication of hitherto unpublished texts on Jain ethics.

• Research activities in the Unit would continue on a regular basis throughout the year subject to the availability of funds and other resources at JVBI, Ladnun.
• Award of Visiting Professorship/ Fellowship would be based on the submission of a 500-words research proposal/ synopsis which is to be approved by the research committee of the Unit/ Center.
• During the last week of the tenure of fellowship, scholars would be required to give a seminar on the topic of his/her work.
• Scholars would be required to submit the final draft of his/her work within 2 months from the date of completion of the fellowship.
• Appropriate arrangement would be made by the Center to get these papers/monographs published.

The following themes/topics will be considered for comprehensive academic studies and research:

• Ethical principles of Jainism
• Jain Ethics in comparative perspectives
• Ahimsa and the Evolution of the Jain community in India
• Jain Ethics and the Environmental issues
• Jain ways of life in India and abroad
• Jain population and demography, migration and diaspora
• Jain education — sacred and secular
• Jains in Indian economy — regional variations
• Jain business ethic, Jain enterprises and entrepreneurship
• Jain social work and philanthropy
• Historical Studies — national, regional, city
• Indian politics and Jain participation
• Jainism, sects and monastic/social organization
• Jain law and the status of Jain women
• Modernization, consumerism and life style changes
• Health surveys of Jain population
• Jain psychology and Jain personality
• Jain pilgrimage, tourism, entertainment, sports and leisure-time activities
• Jains in Society: Inter-ethnic relations in India