JVBU - International Summer School - Understanding Jainism Programme July 22 to August 11, 2008

JAIN VISHVA BHARATI UNIVERSITY

Report

A 21 days International Summer School of 'Understanding Jainism' was organised for foreign students from July 22, to August 11, 2008. Six from Gent University, Belgium and two from University of Florida, USA were the participants of the programme.The understanding Jainism Programme of Jain Vishva Bharati University is an intensive course emphasizing on Jain Philosophy, Ethics, Non-violence, Meditation etc. The programme was interdisciplinary in the nature, aiming at to facilitate the condensed and in-depth knowledge in twenty one days schedule time encompassing the total hours needed for any three month certificate course. This course was formulated as per credit system and is equivalent to three credit course, undertaking study hours equal to or more than 35 hours.

1. To understand the concept and ideas of Jainism.
2. To develop understanding and attitude of nonviolence.
3. To familiarize the participants with the philosophy of creative nonviolence in India.
4. To impart training of Preksha Meditation for emotionally balanced Life-style.
5. To establish the importance and relevance of amity for the survival of living being.

Under this programme there separate sessions of Jainism, Science of Living, P.M. and Yoga and Nonviolence and Peace comprising the following topics were organised:

1. Jainism Introduction to Jainism, Life of Mahavir, Jain Prayer and Mantra, Jain Literature, Jain Life Style, Life of House Holder, Jain Asceticism, Path of liberation, Nine Tatvas, Six Substances & Jain Cosmology, Jain Art & Architecture, Karma Theory, Theory of Knowledge, Jain symbols & Ceremonies, Art of Dying: Santhara, Concept of Nayavada.
   
   
2. Science of Living Preksha Meditation and Yoga SOL- an Innovative system of Education, Jain Meditation-Then & Now, Nurturing Factors of Meditation, Stress Management & PM, Anupreksha-Auto Suggestion & Contemplation, Leshya Dhyana-Color Meditation, Charkra Meditation, Healing through Sound Energy, Scientific Research in PM, SOL-De-addiction & rehabilitation, Asana & Pranayama, Video-Spiritual Reality, Indian Traditions of Meditations, Value Education & SOL, Anuvrat-A movement of Social Reformation.
   
   
3. Non violence and Peace

Philosophy of Non-violence & Peace, Traditions of NV & Peace in India, Gandhi & Acharya Mahapragya-The Crusader of NV, Ahimsa Yatra, Economics of NV, Nonviolent Communication, Victory over the Common Danger, Non-violence in Burning Issues of Society, Role of Women in Indian Culture, Ecological Dharma, Protect Heritage of life, Anekant-A Jain Concept of Reconciliation, Training In NV, Vegetarianism. The students were benefited by the expertise of the faculty members of University. The methodology of the entire academic session were lectures, discussion, presentation and field survey etc. Students were provided the developed study notes of the subjects. On the completion of course the system of evaluation of international grade was adopted, in which, the exams was  conducted independently in each of the subject. Each paper was of hundred points. The marks was awarded in grades.

In addition of the academic session of the programme the participates were oriented with Indian culture in general and with the culture of Rajasthan in particular. Several visits to some important places in Delhi and Rajasthan were arranged for the participants. A visit to wild life sanctuary and field trip in the remote of dunes were arranged were the visitors witnessed the efforts of the University for village development and women enducation. The participates were overwhelmed in the cultural programme, organised by AKKM. The programme and other activities were appreciated by the international participants. Adinda Minnobo, Belgium says, "I liked the diversity of teachers. The atmosphere at the campus was wonderful. I felt so welcome. The accommodation was the best I ever had. People were always willing to help us if we had a problem." The field trip was so enthusiastic that Kusum Swinnen, Belgium suggested the more field trip would be organised. She find the people over here very friendly. Mercella, who is doing Ph.D on 'Manonushasanam' text written by Gurudev Tulsi, says the atmosphare of this place is a bonus for such type of studies.

The participants of this programme were greatly benefited with the spiritual interaction with Acharya Mahaprajna the moral stimulant, Anushasta of this University during their Jaipur visit. They were blessed by Acharya shree by soul-provoking tips of  nonviolent life style. On the completion of the programme the participants were awarded the certificate by the hon'ble Vice-chancellor, Dr. Samani Mangal Pragya, the real architect of this programme. Samani Charitra Pragya and Samani Unnata Pragya were the convener of the programme. The Programme was organised by M.S. Anekant Shodhpeeth.