ISJS Transactions 2018 07 To 09 Vol 02 No 03

This document is the third issue of the second volume (July-September 2018) of "ISJS Transactions," a quarterly refereed online research journal on Jainism published by the International School for Jain Studies (ISJS). The journal's mission is to promote academic study of Jainism globally.

This particular issue features five papers presented by participants of the ISJS's 6-Week Jain Studies Program (ISSJS.2018-6W). The papers cover various aspects of Jainism and its relevance today:

1. "The Practice of Jain Women and Instruction of Religious Principles in Domestic Households" by Dr. Elisa Eastwood Pulido: This paper explores the role of Jain women in transmitting religious principles within their homes. Based on ethnographic interviews with ten Jain women from Svetambara and Digambara traditions, the study identifies pedagogical techniques used by mothers, such as example, storytelling, and brief instruction. It also highlights challenges faced in transmitting Jainism in the 21st century, including societal materialism, rationalism, and inter-sect/inter-faith marriages. The paper emphasizes the importance of ahimsa, aparigraha, and anekāntavāda in domestic pedagogy and discusses the difficulties in imparting these principles to the younger generation. It concludes by underscoring the significant, yet often undervalued, role of Jain women householders in preserving and transmitting Jain heritage.

2. "Ahimsā: A World-wide Practice for the Modern Age" by Dr. John Thomas Mobley: This paper argues for the comprehensive relevance of ahimsa (non-violence) in the modern world. It posits that ahimsa, as understood in Jainism, is more encompassing than in other major religions, forming the core of Jain philosophy and practice. The paper examines the concept of ahimsa within Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, and Buddhism, highlighting their respective interpretations and practices of non-violence, while also noting the broader and more stringent application of ahimsa in Jainism. It also touches upon how other Jain principles like aparigraha and anekāntavāda can be found in these traditions. The author concludes that Jainism's approach to ahimsa is the most systematic and applicable for global well-being.

3. "The Three Jewels" by Atmarpit Devang: This article focuses on the three core tenets of Jainism: samyak-darśana (Right Belief), samyak-jñāna (Right Knowledge), and samyak-caritra (Right Conduct). It clarifies the correct sequence and interrelationship of these jewels, emphasizing that right belief is the foundational step for spiritual progress. The paper addresses common misunderstandings about samyak-darśana and the obstructions to achieving these jewels, such as delusion, lack of vows, passions, and activities. It stresses the importance of a pure soul, detached from the body, and the role of satsanga (spiritual gathering) and a sadguru (enlightened master) in eradicating false beliefs and guiding seekers towards self-realization and liberation (moksha).

4. "The Celebration of the Soul: An Analysis of Daśalakṣaṇa Dharma with special reference to Supreme Forbearance" by Atmarpit Shraddha: This paper introduces Daśalakṣaṇa Dharma, the ten cardinal virtues observed during the Paryusana Parva, as a "celebration of the soul." It distinguishes true celebration from momentary external festivities, defining the former as an inward journey of self-purification and spiritual growth. The article details the ten virtues and then focuses on Uttama Kshamā (Supreme Forbearance/Forgiveness), explaining its dual meaning (practical and absolute) and its importance in overcoming anger. It draws parallels with forbearance in other religions (Hinduism, Christianity, Islam, Buddhism) and presents "5 As" (Appreciate, Accept, Adapt, Awareness, Adore) as tools for practicing forbearance in modern life. The paper illustrates the concept with stories of Gajasukumāra and Saint Ekanātha, highlighting that true forgiveness leads to spiritual purification and liberation.

5. "Are Aparigraha (Non-possessiveness) and Meditation Mutually Exclusive or Inclusive in the Path of Self-realization?" by Neha Patel: This paper examines the Jain principle of aparigraha (non-possessiveness) and meditation in the context of self-realization. It starts by discussing the modern dilemma of materialism and the search for happiness through spirituality. The author defines self-realization and explores aparigraha and meditation as paths to achieve it, referencing their presence in Hinduism, Jainism, Buddhism, Christianity, and Islam. The core of the paper analyzes whether these two practices are mutually exclusive or inclusive. It concludes that aparigraha, particularly in its internal aspect of non-attachment (murcha), is closely linked with meditation, with meditation being a technique to achieve the detachment that aparigraha entails. The paper suggests that both practices are inclusive and essential for breaking the cycle of suffering and achieving liberation.

The journal also includes editorial notes from the Chief Editor, Prof. Prakash C. Jain, and mentions contributions from the editorial and advisory boards. The issue aims to encourage budding scholars and readers to deepen their research in Jainism.