Jainology and Comparative Religion & Philosophy
Introduction
Jainism is one of the ancient religions of the shramana culture. More than being a religion and philosophy, it is a way of living. The basic principle of Jain philosophy is “nanassa saramayaro” — conduct is the essence of knowledge. Jain scriptures are a treasure of vast knowledge, postulating multifaceted aspects of learning such as ontology, metaphysics, ethics, logic, philosophy, politics, economics, ecology, health, social life, education, mathematics and management. The course of Jainology and Comparative Religion & Philosophy has been introduced to understand the unique principles of Jainism and their relevance in the modern era, and to provide a comparative study of Jain philosophy with other Indian and Western philosophies.
Career Prospects
- The subject is included in the NET/JRF and SLET examinations conducted by UGC and State Governments.
- Jobs in schools, colleges, universities and research institutes for Oriental Studies across India.
- Demand for research scholars in Jainism at foreign institutions having departments and chairs on Religious Studies and Jainology.
Objectives
- To promote Oriental Studies, Contemporary Philosophies & Religions, and Jainism in particular.
- To spread the universal principles like ahimsa, anekant and aparigraha at the global level.
- To produce efficient scholars in Jainology.
- To carry out and publish research in the field of applied philosophy of Jainism and present Jainism in a logical and scientific manner.
- To present Jain concepts in comparative and modern perspectives.
- To evolve the relevance of Jainism in the context of modern world problems and their solutions.
Research
- Microcosm: Theory of Pudgala and Atom (Matter, Energy, Fundamental Particles).
- Causality: Theory of Karma, and Association & Dissociation of Varganas (subtle matter).
- Cosmology: Theory of the Universe and its cosmological, cosmographical and cosmogonical doctrines.
- Structure of the Universe: Theory of Space, Time and Matter, and the mediums of Motion & Rest.
- Life Processes: Classification of living beings and spiritual development of souls and consciousness.
- Theory of Number: Sankhyat (Numerables), Asankhyat (Innumerables) and Anant (Infinite).
Study of Jain scriptures, Prakrit and Aagam literature
Comparative study of Jain philosophy with Indian & Western thought
Certificate courses in Jain Jyotish, Vastu and Jain Aagam
Research and publication in the applied philosophy of Jainism