29.05.2011 ►JERF News ►Capsule Courses for Jain Studies

Jain Education and Research Foundation

During the academic year 2011-12 Jain Education and Research Foundation is introducing some small programs for Jain studies. Under these new programs, training in Preksha Meditation and the study of Jain scriptures have been given primary importance. Meditation and deep understanding of life have become the world’s current need. To learn and practice meditation,one needs proper regular training,and for the intensive learning of the philosophical insight into life, the study of sacred texts is of paramount importance. One has to develop knowledge from the initial to a more intense level, and for that, one is supposed to learn Jainism in three stages, viz; introductory, advanced, and intensive. To serve the purpose, the following three programs for Jain studies are planned. These programs have been developed in response to very strong interest expressed by the Jain community in Western countries.

Late Acharya Mahapragya, the philosopher-saint of 21st century and former Chief of the Terapanthi Order, has presented Preksha meditation on the basis of Jain scriptures and the psychological and physiological research conducted in 1975. Preksha meditation camps are organised at both the national and international levels, and hundreds of people are given training in it every year. It has been introduced in the curriculum of many schools, colleges and universities in India. This is an extremely beneficial program which contributes to overall well beingincluding physical, mental, emotional and spiritual health. The weekly program involving theory and practice of Jain meditation is held in a two hour workshop. This is for all, including alumni of JVBU and ISSJS alumni, serious philosophy/religious scholars, students of FIU and people of community. This program will be developed into three consecutive courses each for six weeks. The course material is available in both Hindi and English.

1. Training in Preksha Meditation
2. Training in Preksha Yoga
3. Training in Preksha Therapy

1. Intro to Jainism
   The course will acquaint learners with the fundamental Jain doctrines and concepts which deal with the major problems of the world like violence, disparity, and global warming. This can contribute towards a better understanding of the world’s diversity and need for nonviolence.
   
   
2. Study of Jain Canonical Texts (Uttaradhyayana)
   This program aims to teach Jain sacred texts. Uttaradhyayana is a comprehensive Jain text and considered as the last sermon of Mahavira. It is the most read text by Shvetambar Jains. It is very suitable in today’s fast food and instant learning environment. This text is also highly revered by Shvetambar Jains. A learned Jain scholar with authority in Prakrit and Jain philosophy will teach this module. 
   
   
3. Study of Jain Philosophical Texts
   This program aims at philosophical and logical understanding of Jain theories. Tattvarth Sutra is one of the most revered texts of Jain tradition composed by Acharaya Umaswati (revered by both Shvetambar and Digambar Jains) in 2-4th century CE. This is one of the most received texts and serves as a compendium of Jainism. Its study helps us in answering many present day issues and practices of Jain tenets. Samani Dr. Chaitanya Pragya, Samani Unnata Pragya and other instructors will teach these courses at FIU.

#	Program	Place	Schedule A+
1	Training in Preksha Meditation	Miami, USA	Sep. - Nov. 2011
2	Training in Preksha Yoga	Miami, USA	Jan. - March 2012
3	Training in Preksha Therapy	Miami, USA	Sep. - Nov. 2012
#	Program	Place	Schedule A+
1	Intro to Jainism	Miami, USA	Sep. - Nov. 2011
2	Study in Jain Scriptures	Miami, USA	Jan. - March 2012
3	Study in Jain Philosophical Text	Miami, USA	Sep. - Nov. 2012

• The Application form is available on the website jaineducation.org after 31st of May.