Bhagawan Mahaveer International Center, JVBU
The official announcement of BMIRC was made by Samani Charitra Prajna, the Vice Chancellor of JVBI, in the pious presence of His Holiness Acharya Mahasharman at Bhikshu Auditorium of Adhyatm Sadhana Kendra, Delhi on Oct. 2, 2014.
At this occasion she said that the announcement of the new research center named Bhagawan Mahaveer International Center for Scientific Research and Social Innovative Studies on the auspicious occasion of birth centenary of Acharya Tulsi, the great visionary saint of 20th century and 9th religious leader of the Jain Terapanth Order, is giving great pleasure to me.
Moreover she said that today young generation has many logical questions regarding why prayer, why forgiveness, why fasting, etc. I hope that this center will focus on practical or applied Jainology and work tirelessly for the scientific and innovative researches so that the new parameters will come up which could convince the coming generations. I firmly believe that the constant blessings of Acharya Mahashraman will bring the work to new heights. With the generous support and guidance of the eminent scholars and scientists like Prof. Muni Mahendra Kumar, Prof. Mahavir Raj Gelra, Prof. Narayan Lal Kachhara, Prof. Narendra Bhadarai etc. who are the senior members of the Advisory Board, the Center would be the place of special attraction for the scholars and researchers of the world. It will succeed in establishing a new paradigm in the field of research and social innovative studies.
On this occasion, in her welcome address, Prof. Samani Chaitanya Prajna, the Head of the department of Jainology, said that from last 24 years JVBI has been working tirelessly for the furtherance of higher education and research in the field of Jainism. It has spread its wings in India and abroad and got success to connect hundreds of students and researches in India and almost 2000 students of various countries by working in collaboration with Florida International University, Miami, USA. To be able to keep pace with science, technology and globalization Jainism needs to be presented in modern perspectives and scientific language. The BMIRC is aimed to be a hub center for all those organizations, institutions, scholars and research fellows who are engaged and interested in Jainology. In order to facilitate inclusive and scientific research the center will focus on the following four major branches of Jain studies:
1. Science and Mathematics, with Jain Studies
2. Ethics, Environment and Social Sciences
3. Metaphysics, Epistemology and Logic
4. History, Culture and Literature
N.L. Kachhara, the Senior Advisor of BMIRC, speaking on the vision and mission of the center said that this is a historical day in the world of Jain Academia. A new chapter has been opened in the world. Today study of Jain philosophy is going on at various places, however, what is needed is research because without research studies are incomplete.
Quoting Acharya Mahaprajna Prof. Kachhara said, "There are infinite modes of substance. We know only few. So there is much scope for new researches". Jain canons (Agama(s)) and other explanatory literature have many subjects which can be presented in modern way so that humanity can be benefitted from the knowledge contained in them. Today many centers for Jain studies are working and many more are developing.
The question is how to increase this flow? It needs many scholars. Actually, very few scholars are genuinely working on this subject. This is the first time that these many scholars have assembled and committed to initiate scientific research in the field of Jain studies.
Sadhvi Vishrutvibha, Mukhya Niyojika, said, Acharya Mahaprajna, the philosopher-saint of 21th century, thought about the intensive study of four Anuyogas at JVBI. Concept of working on four major branches of Jain studies are completely in tune with the study of the four Anuyogas. The Anuyogas contain various subjects like cosmology, geometry, education, philosophy, political science, ethics, environment, etc. It is the need of the day that Jainism should be presented in modern perspective. With the blessings of Acharya Mahashraman this work is getting a new momentum and direction in the form of BMIRC. Hope it will proceed fast and reach to the world at large.
On the occasion Prof. Anil Dhar, the Registrar, presented the draft of the first monograph of the center entitled "Compendium on Science and Mathematics in Jainism."
Project on Mathematics
On the occasion of the declaration of BMIRC, Dr Anupam Jain presented a major research work on "Development of the Mathematical Thoughts in Jain Literature" to Acharya Mahashraman. This is the first research project of the center completed with the generous support of Mr. Bacchawat, Kolakata. He said, in 2009, a National Seminar on "Jain Mathematics: Theoretical and Historical Aspects" was organized by the department of Jainology at JVBI. The present research is the outcome of that seminar. People with spiritual orientation, such as, monks and nuns may raise questions about the relevance of mathematical studies. It is for all those to understand that mathematics is helpful in elucidating the structure of cosmos (loka), karma theory, right time of initiation and even specific time of reading the scriptures. In this book, our purpose is to present all the mathematical theories and information available in Jain canons and other literature developed over the centuries in Jain tradition for further research.
Prof. Premsuman Jain, the Guest of Honour, said that the concept of establishing four faculties under BMIRC is not only necessary but indispensable for the development of Jain studies and research. Seeing the association of scholars with the center raises the hope that this center will work successfully. Dr. Anupam Jain presented his work on "Development of Mathematical Thoughts in Jain Literature" is actually the work of history and literature. This shows that BMIRC has also started working on historical study of Jain tenets. It is true that science should walk along with spirituality then only we will know where we have to go and where we have to stop.
Prof. Muni Mahendra Kumar, the Keynote Speaker and Senior Professor of the department, said that this day is auspicious and important in the world of Jainism. JVBI has started this new activity which is much needed for the present world. To work for this center knowledge of various fields is necessary. Person knowing physical science and having interest in oriental studies would be fascinating to the center. If the scholars, having only oriental knowledge, are involved then the study will be incomplete. The center will be in Ladnun but people staying far should be attached to it and can work at their places, as per their convenience. Modern technology must be used for research, but Jain Agamas I should remain the focal point of the study and research.
The BMIR center has three functions
1. To create a good network of the scholars of the world
2. To provide inspiration to new scholars and prepare them
3. To disseminate the message of Jainism to the world.
In his concluding remarks, he said, "I wish that with the blessings of Gurudev this project will succeed and bring good results".
The program of the commencement of center started with the prayer of Bhagawan Mahaveer and ended with the vote of thanks by the Registrar.
