About Us

As an academic institution, Arihanta Institute is dedicated to advancing education, scholarship, critical research, and public dissemination of real-world application of the Jain principles of non-violence (ahiṃsā) and compassion (karuṇā). Our mission is to empower individuals with knowledge to embrace and apply these principles as a force for positive change, addressing the most pressing issues of our time with courage and compassion.

Arihanta Institute envisions a world where the timeless principles of non-violence (ahiṃsā) and compassion (karuṇā) inspire global transformation. As a leader in Engaged Jain Studies, we aim to bridge theory and practice, creating inclusive, accessible online education that empowers individuals and communities to apply ancient wisdom to modern challenges, fostering a more peaceful and compassionate future for all.

The inspiration behind this vision draws from the impactful work of Acharya Sushil Kumar, a prominent and forward-thinking Jain spiritual leader. Known for his pioneering efforts beyond India, he promoted peace, fellowship, and global education, advocating for practical ways to integrate Jain principles into everyday life.

Arihanta Institute, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit educational organization incorporated in California in February 2022, is committed to sharing the timeless wisdom of Jain philosophy, history, and culture through world-class online education. Guided by the principles of non-violence (ahiṃsā) and compassion (karuṇā), Arihanta Institute empowers individuals to apply these values as a force for personal and societal well-being, addressing today’s most critical challenges with courage and compassion. Originally founded as Arihanta Academy in April 2021, Arihanta Institute strives to be a global leader in advancing scholarship, critical research, and real-world application in Engaged Jain Studies, where ancient wisdom informs modern solutions for a more compassionate and peaceful world.

From introductory courses to advanced research and practical applications, Arihanta Institute provides exceptional, globally accessible education. Our cutting-edge technology ensures a rich learning experience tailored to modern lifestyles, with rigorous instruction by distinguished scholars in Jain studies and related fields.

Students can engage with us through self-paced and live online courses, or by enrolling in the fully online Master of Arts in Engaged Jain Studies program offered by Claremont School of Theology (CST). Arihanta Institute faculty, as Adjunct Faculty at CST, contribute their expertise and teach courses within this collaborative program. We also host a virtual events platform for conferences, webinars, and research events.

The founding of Arihanta Institute is a story of vision and perseverance. The idea of creating a world-class institution for Jain studies in America had been in development for over twenty-five years before the establishment of Arihanta Academy in April 2021. Parveen Jain, PhD, a technology entrepreneur and the institute's founder, began conceptualizing advanced Jain education in 1992 under the guidance of his guru, Acharya Sushil Kumar. The initial plan, to build “Ahimsa University,” was paused when Acharya Sushil Kumar passed away in 1994.

Reviving the project during the COVID-19 pandemic, Parveen saw the potential of virtual communication to reach a global audience. In 2020, he began strategizing for an online platform to serve students and scholars worldwide. By April 2021, Parveen collaborated with Christopher Jain Miller, PhD, a professor of Jain and Yoga studies, and Dhanesh Kothari, another technology entrepreneur, to launch Arihanta Academy. Their partnership, along with the later addition of Pramod Patel, a dedicated scholar of Srimad Rajchandra's teachings, marked the beginning of a karmically and divinely inspired journey.

The passion of Parveen and his co-founders for making Jain studies accessible and relevant through online learning is reflected in the vibrant platform you see and experience today.

Arihanta is an enlightened soul (jīva), worthy of worship, who has attained omniscience (supreme wisdom and clairvoyance) and perfect conduct, has eliminated all of the karmas that can be destroyed with penance and austerities, and is still in bodily form.

The images in the center of the Arihanta Institute logo are mantras symbolizing knowledge of the external, the internal and the Supreme. The three words in the lower part of the outer ring convey the interdependent significance of scholarship, knowledge and consciousness. For more details, visit the Arihanta Institute Logo page.