Dr. Anil Dhar
Jain Vishva Bharati University
M.S. Anekant Shodhpeeth
Summer School Programme
(23 July - 12 August 2010)
Understanding Jainism
An International Summer School Programme of 'Understanding Jainism'was organised for foreign students in Jain Vishva Bharati University, Ladnun (Rajasthan) India. Seven from Ghent University, Belgium and two from University of Florida, USA were the participants of programme. The Understanding Jainism Programme of Jain Vishva Bharati University is an intensive course emphasizing on Jain Philosophy, Ethics, Non-violence, and Meditation etc. The programme was interdisciplinary in the nature, aiming at to facilitate the condensed and in-depth knowledge in the scheduled 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.
OBJECTIVES
- To understand the concept and ideas of Jainism.
- To develop understanding and attitude of nonviolence.
- To familiarize the participants with the philosophy of creative nonviolence in
India.
- To impart training of Preksha Meditation for emotionally balanced Life-style.
- To establish the importance and relevance of amity for the survival of living being.
- To familiarize the participants with Indian culture in general and Rajasthan culture in particular.
Under this programme three separate sessions of Jainism, Science of Living, P.M. and Yoga and Nonviolence and Peace comprising the following topics were organised:-
(a) 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.
(b) 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.
(c) 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.
Apart from these academic sessions a special session of Prakrit Language was arranged for those students, who were willing to explore one of the ancient language of India. Prof. J.R. Bhattacharyya was the learned resource person for this special session. The students were benefited by the expertise of the faculty members of University. The methodology of the entire academic session was lectures, discussion, presentation and field survey etc. Students were provided the developed study notes of the subjects. Several physiological and psychological tests were made at the commencement of the programme. A Dutch Language course was also arranged in juxta-position of International Summer School Programme. The participant students from Ghent University, Belgium took the classes of the language for the students of Jain Vishva Bhasrati University, which went on successfully.
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 places of historical and archaeological importance in Ladnun and adjoining areas were arranged, where they witnessed the Jain Art and Architecture in various temples, monasteries, art gallery etc. were arranged for the participants. A visit to wild life sanctuary and field trip in the remote of dunes were arranged where the visitors witnessed the efforts of the University for village development and women education. The participants were overwhelmed in the cultural programme, organised by AKKM.
The programme and other activities were appreciated by the international participants. Carolyn Lamour from Florida International University, USA says, "this programme served as a great introduction to Jainism, Nonviolence and Science of Living. The course was well organized and informative. The field visits to various places were among my favourite experiences.” Van Roeyen from Ghent University, Belgium commented as, “I learned a lot about Jainism. The yoga course was a good start of the day. But, I missed some explanation about how to meditate. The Prakrit classes were very interesting.” Pieter Present from same University, says, “overall the hospitality and warm-heartedness of the people here made it a wonderful experience.”
With the objective of making the students familiar with applied Jainism, a visit to Sardarshahar was arranged, where they had an opportunity to have a spiritual interaction with Acharya Mahashraman, the moral stimulant, Anushasta of this University. 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, Samani Dr. Mangal Prajna, the real architect of this programme. Samani Ramaniya Prajna and Samani Chaitya Prajna were the academic convener and Dr. Anil Dhar was co-ordinator of the programme. The Programme was organised by M.S. Anekant Shodhpeeth.
