Meet the MA Students: An Interview with Samani Arjav Pragya
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My inspiration to undertake graduate studies here comes from a desire to understand Jain philosophy more systematically and to communicate it in ways that are relevant to the modern world. As nuns, our studies are often traditional and inward, rooted in reflection and practice. Arihanta Institute offers a rare opportunity to connect this inner learning with contemporary academic methods, research, and global perspectives. This integration feels meaningful and necessary.
Because service is central to my life, I regularly engage with students, seekers, and community members from diverse backgrounds who ask thoughtful questions about ethics, spirituality, and Jain principles. My monastic discipline has given me steadiness, patience, and a consistent commitment to learning. By combining lived experience of ahiṃsā, aparigraha, meditation, and community service with academic study, I will be able to contribute sincerely to these discussions.
My goal is not personal achievement, but meaningful service. I hope to become a bridge between traditional Jain wisdom and the needs of the present generation, and I believe Arihanta Institute is the right place to strengthen that ability.
Graduate studies at Arihanta Institute will help me present Jain teachings in a structured and accessible way. People often ask about karma, nonviolence, meditation, ecology, mental well-being, and ethics. With stronger academic grounding, I will be able to explain these principles with more clarity and in language that resonates with modern audiences. I frequently meet people from other traditions who sincerely wish to understand Jainism. Through deeper study, I hope to respond with accuracy, openness, and a respectful interfaith spirit.
These studies will also help me support schools, colleges, community centers, and interfaith platforms by integrating the Jain values of ahiṃsā, mindfulness, self-discipline, and peaceful living into their programs. Workshops, youth sessions, dialogues, and counseling can become more impactful when my own understanding is precise and thorough.
At the same time, this knowledge will strengthen my inner spiritual journey. A nun must keep learning. When I understand something fully, even the small portion I share becomes meaningful.
In essence, my studies will not remain academic. They will shape my teaching, my counseling, and my service helping me bring peace, clarity, and ethical awareness to the communities I meet.
Along with my monastic education, I completed my B.A. in Sanskrit and Prakrit from Jain Vishva Bharati University (Ladnun), a Jain institution deeply rooted in the study of Jain thought, languages, and culture. This academic grounding helped me read texts in their original languages and understand the philosophical depth behind them.
As a nun, I study sutras, commentaries, prayers, history, conduct texts, and meditation literature, and I regularly revisit them while preparing discourses or answering seekers’ questions. Interacting with Śvetāmbara, Digambara, and Sthānakavāsī communities has also widened my understanding of the diversity within the tradition.
Overall, my background in Jain education is both scholarly and experiential. I strive to embody the values I study and share them with sincerity, clarity, and authenticity.
My intention is to continue serving in an engaged educational role. As a nun, my profession is service, and education is a powerful pathway for service. I aspire to teach, give lectures, conduct workshops, guide students, work with interfaith groups, and support ethical and spiritual programs in schools, colleges, and community centers. The degree will strengthen my ability to communicate Jain principles clearly, both to academic audiences and the broader community.
This program will help me bridge traditional learning with modern research, deepen my perception, enhance my understanding, and refine my conduct. By learning from scholars and peers, I will be better equipped to guide, mentor, and serve with clarity, compassion, and authenticity.
Ultimately, this degree will support my lifelong commitment to Jain studies, strengthen my ability to serve the community, and allow me to embody and share the values of ahimsa, discipline, and knowledge with greater depth and effectiveness.
Meet the MA Students: An Interview with Samani Arjav Pragya
02/23/2026
Claremont School of Theology (CST) offers a fully online Master of Arts in Engaged Jain Studies (MA-EJS)—the first program of its kind. Arihanta Institute faculty help serve this program at CST under an academic agreement where they contribute their scholarly expertise and research, and develop and teach courses for the students who are enrolled in this program.
This Q&A is part of an ongoing series that introduces our newly admitted MA–Engaged Jain Studies students. Each installment foregrounds the diversity of our cohort—their academic and professional trajectories, intellectual commitments, and the distinct reasons they have chosen this program—while illustrating how CST’s curriculum and Arihanta Institute’s faculty engagement equip students to apply Jain thought in contemporary scholarly and practical contexts.
Samani Arjav Pragya, Graduate Student, Master of Arts - Engaged Jain Studies, CST
What inspired you to undertake graduate studies in the MA-EJS program?
The very name Arihanta Institute inspires me deeply. As a Jain Samani (Nun), the word “Arihanta” itself carries purity, guidance, and inner awakening. When I learned about an institution dedicated to learning in this spirit, I felt naturally drawn to it. It felt like a place where my values, conduct, and spiritual commitments could grow in a sincere and structured way.
My inspiration to undertake graduate studies here comes from a desire to understand Jain philosophy more systematically and to communicate it in ways that are relevant to the modern world. As nuns, our studies are often traditional and inward, rooted in reflection and practice. Arihanta Institute offers a rare opportunity to connect this inner learning with contemporary academic methods, research, and global perspectives. This integration feels meaningful and necessary.
Because service is central to my life, I regularly engage with students, seekers, and community members from diverse backgrounds who ask thoughtful questions about ethics, spirituality, and Jain principles. My monastic discipline has given me steadiness, patience, and a consistent commitment to learning. By combining lived experience of ahiṃsā, aparigraha, meditation, and community service with academic study, I will be able to contribute sincerely to these discussions.
My goal is not personal achievement, but meaningful service. I hope to become a bridge between traditional Jain wisdom and the needs of the present generation, and I believe Arihanta Institute is the right place to strengthen that ability.
How do you see yourself connecting your studies in the classroom with the community(ies), organizations, etc. that you are involved in or which are around you? How do you plan to use what you learn in the world?
As a Samani, my life is deeply woven into the communities and organizations I serve including students, families, spiritual seekers, interfaith groups, and individuals facing emotional or ethical questions. Because I engage with people every day, whatever I learn in the classroom will naturally flow into my interactions. The classroom will refine my understanding; the community will give me living spaces to apply that understanding with humility and compassion.
Graduate studies at Arihanta Institute will help me present Jain teachings in a structured and accessible way. People often ask about karma, nonviolence, meditation, ecology, mental well-being, and ethics. With stronger academic grounding, I will be able to explain these principles with more clarity and in language that resonates with modern audiences. I frequently meet people from other traditions who sincerely wish to understand Jainism. Through deeper study, I hope to respond with accuracy, openness, and a respectful interfaith spirit.
These studies will also help me support schools, colleges, community centers, and interfaith platforms by integrating the Jain values of ahiṃsā, mindfulness, self-discipline, and peaceful living into their programs. Workshops, youth sessions, dialogues, and counseling can become more impactful when my own understanding is precise and thorough.
At the same time, this knowledge will strengthen my inner spiritual journey. A nun must keep learning. When I understand something fully, even the small portion I share becomes meaningful.
In essence, my studies will not remain academic. They will shape my teaching, my counseling, and my service helping me bring peace, clarity, and ethical awareness to the communities I meet.
What is your background in Jain education and Jain tradition?
My background in Jain education is shaped by both formal study and deep lived experience. I have been a Jain nun for the past two and a half years, and before taking diksha I spent nearly four years in rigorous monastic training. Those years were dedicated to learning scriptures, practicing meditation, understanding ethical conduct, developing discipline, and cultivating the mindset required for a life of service. This training laid a strong foundation in Jain philosophy, especially ahiṃsa, anekantavada, aparigraha, compassion, and self-awareness.
Along with my monastic education, I completed my B.A. in Sanskrit and Prakrit from Jain Vishva Bharati University (Ladnun), a Jain institution deeply rooted in the study of Jain thought, languages, and culture. This academic grounding helped me read texts in their original languages and understand the philosophical depth behind them.
From childhood, I grew up in a Jain environment going to gyanshala every week—my family, community, and surroundings constantly reflected Jain values. This early exposure naturally shaped my mindset and made Jainism not only a subject of study but a way of life.
As a nun, I study sutras, commentaries, prayers, history, conduct texts, and meditation literature, and I regularly revisit them while preparing discourses or answering seekers’ questions. Interacting with Śvetāmbara, Digambara, and Sthānakavāsī communities has also widened my understanding of the diversity within the tradition.
Overall, my background in Jain education is both scholarly and experiential. I strive to embody the values I study and share them with sincerity, clarity, and authenticity.
Why are you interested in pursuing higher studies in Jain education? Would you pursue a career in engaged education or a similar profession?
I am deeply interested in pursuing higher studies in Jain education. As a nun, learning is a lifelong discipline, and this program provides an opportunity to deepen my understanding of Jain philosophy, scriptures, Sanskrit, and ethical practices. Beyond Jain studies, I am also open to learning from other traditions, as interreligious knowledge enriches my perspective and helps me engage in meaningful dialogue while appreciating the richness of our own heritage.
My intention is to continue serving in an engaged educational role. As a nun, my profession is service, and education is a powerful pathway for service. I aspire to teach, give lectures, conduct workshops, guide students, work with interfaith groups, and support ethical and spiritual programs in schools, colleges, and community centers. The degree will strengthen my ability to communicate Jain principles clearly, both to academic audiences and the broader community.
This program will help me bridge traditional learning with modern research, deepen my perception, enhance my understanding, and refine my conduct. By learning from scholars and peers, I will be better equipped to guide, mentor, and serve with clarity, compassion, and authenticity.
Ultimately, this degree will support my lifelong commitment to Jain studies, strengthen my ability to serve the community, and allow me to embody and share the values of ahimsa, discipline, and knowledge with greater depth and effectiveness.
Samani Arjav Pragya is an MA-Engaged Jain Studies graduate student at Claremont School of Theology. If you are interested in applying or just want to learn more, please visit the MA-EJS graduate studies webpage or email study@arihantainstitute.org for more information.
👉🏽 The application deadline for Fall 2026 admissions is June 1, 2026. Scholarships are available.