Online Courses

This class seeks to bring the conceptual framework of the textual tradition of Jain Yoga to life by engaging in contemplative practices that have been practiced since ancient times across Dharma Traditions.

In this course we will explore how we can talk with others from different religious (or non-religious) traditions in a way that fosters friendship and mutual respect. We will discuss the Jain tradition’s many resources that further the goals of peacebuilding in a pluralistic society, and what it means to create social unity despite the diversity of perspectives in various belief systems. Given the history of interfaith conflict and violence in our world, the Jain tradition has much to offer in terms of how understanding the religious (or non-religious) “other” and how dialoguing with those who have fundamentally different beliefs can be a source of friendship, harmony, and strength, rather than conflict and disunity as it so often is.We will also discuss how such interfaith dialogue can be understood not only in social terms, but in the Jain philosophical terms of anekānta-vāda, ahiṃsā, etc. such that interfaith interactions can be a means of our own personal spiritual development—as well as social unity at a time when people seem more polarized than ever. We will also give particular emphasis to how the Jain tradition has employed a shared framework of yoga to dialogue with other dharma traditions, and what this tells us today about the potential for interfaith, intercommunal peacebuilding from the perspective of the Jain tradition.

For millennia, it has been widely recognized that the Jain tradition has been distinctive in its central focus on nonviolence (ahiṃsā) towards all beings (jīva-s). Because of this, Jain theology is uniquely oriented towards healing humanity’s strained relationship with the natural world. For several decades, the field of ecotheology had been developed by various thinkers from multiple world religious traditions, Christian in particular.In this course, we will articulate a clear understanding of the methodology of ecotheology that can provide a framework where religious traditions might effectively advocate and empower ecological healing based on the unique paradigmatic resources of each tradition. This course will then examine what the Jain tradition might contribute to the bourgeoning academic discipline of ecotheology, and how the Jain tradition can play an important, necessary, and unique role in a pluralistic approach to environmental healing.

Refresh your understanding of Jain philosophy or embark on a journey to learn Jain philosophy from the ground up as you survey the Jain tradition’s fundamental philosophical insights

This course will provide an overview of Jain Dharma based on an important text of the venerated Jain preceptor, Śrīmad Rājcandra. The trajectory of concepts covers Śrīmad’s philosophical proofs for the existence of an eternal soul as an agent, in relationship to bondage and liberation from karma. The approach of this course will be an analysis of these concepts in terms of various categories of philosophy with an inclination towards comparative religion and interfaith dialogue.

Śrīmad Rājcandra (1867-1901) was an important Jain Saint of the late 19th and early 20th centuries who founded a distinct and modern, yet also in many ways quite orthodox, movement of Jainism. While Śrīmad and his followers followed many mainstream Jain teachings and practices, his teachings and the tradition that grew from them are distinct with regards to their emphasis on nonsectarianism, the ability to attain self-realization as a profound experience of one’s spiritual essence in this life or shortly thereafter, understanding of liberation as an attainable goal within 15 lifetimes, a critique of contemporary institutions of mendicancy, and the uniqueness of a bourgeoning lay movement where lay practitioners are the primary source of spiritual authority—a feature that has been widely appealing to Jain lay practitioners. The first half of this two-part course will examine how the events of Śrīmad’s life gave shape to this movement and will look at the philosophical underpinnings of Śrīmad’s tradition based on the Mokṣa-māḷā, a Gujarati text that he composed in 1887, at the age of 20, the same year that he was married, and several years before he attained self-realization and renounced worldly life. In the first half of this course, we will focus primarily on how Śrīmad’s philosophy was informed by notable events in his life, and how in turn these events and this philosophy have influenced the development of the Raj Bhakta Marg, the tradition that has developed from this important modern Jain guru. Learning Objectives:Learn the basic biographical outline of the life of Śrīmad Rajcandra.Understand the social and biographical events that led to the development of the Raj Bhakta Marga.Examine key features of the Raj Bhakta Marga that make it a unique modern Jain movement.

As we have seen in the first half of this course, Śrīmad Rājcandra was an important Jain Saint of the late 19th and early 20th centuries who founded adistinct and modern, yet also in many ways quite orthodox, movement of Jainism known as the Raj Bhakta Marg. In the first half of this course, we focused primarily on how Śrīmad Rājcandra’s (1867-1901) philosophy was informed by notable events in his life, and how in turn these events and this philosophy have influenced the development of the Raj Bhakta Marg. In the second half of this class we will examine the features of Śrīmad’s philosophy in greater depth based primarily on the writings of the Mokṣa-māḷā (1887), but occasionally examining his Ātma-siddhi Śāstra (1896) as well. Moreover, we will examine the central concept of guru bhakti and discuss the importance of understanding Jain bhakti both within Śrīmad’s thought and tradition,but also within Jainism more broadly. We will closely examine how Śrīmad discussed various features of spiritual practice such as the importance of mantra recitation, sāmāyika and dhyāna meditation, and other practices intended to remove one’s karma and give one a direct experience of one’s spiritual essence. Finally, we will unpack the concise and elegant arguments that Śrīmad offers for the existence of an eternal soul—all discussions intended to both edify and inspire practitioners to dedicate themselves to an ardent spiritual practice where one might hope to attain self-realization and even liberation within 15 lifetimes—a significantly more attainable and immediate goal than what is often understood by many in the Jain tradition.  Learning Objectives:Read and reflect on the teachings of Śrīmad’s Mokṣa-māḷā regarding themes of self-realization, bhakti, religious practices, and philosophical discourses including logical proofs for the existence of a soul.Understand the importance of Śrīmad’s emphasis of attaining self-realization and liberation, and how this relates to understanding him as a reformer or a revivalist.Examining key features of bhakti, especially guru bhakti, in the Śrīmad tradition and how this might inform a broader understanding of the importance and role of bhakti in the Jain tradition more broadly.Examine key features of religious practice advocated by Śrīmad and widely practiced by his followers including mantra recitation, sāmāyika, dhyāna, and guru-bhakti.Take time to reflect on philosophical principles of Śrīmad and applicability into daily life.Inquire into the deeper meanings and implications of the Śrīmad’s teachings in dialogue with other Jain teachings and other religious traditions.

** This asynchronous, "self-study" course is self-paced and without live instruction. It is best suited for those who have some familiarity with Sanskrit or experience in learning other languages. For those wishing to study in a scheduled, live setting with a university professor, please enroll in 2012 | University Sanskrit 1 Live ** Competency with Sanskrit translation is a key skill for academics in the field of South Asian Studies. It is one of the most important research skills that provides scholars access to resources that are the object of their research. It is also a skill that, when demonstrated with translations in one's publications, gives a great deal of credibility to the academic work of scholars. Sanskrit can also be very helpful to strengthen and deepen one's connection to one's own spiritual tradition. For most Dharma traditions (Jainism, Hinduism, Buddhism, and Yoga), Sanskrit is often the medium of liturgical practices, and Sanskrit texts which tend to form the doctrinal, philosophical, and practical foundation for individual and collective spiritual practices in those traditions. Dharma traditions are deep reservoirs of spiritual wisdom that have the power to transform us personally and collectively in profound ways, and Sanskrit is one of the most important keys to unlocking that great reservoir of ancient spiritual wisdom that is much needed in our own personal lives, and in our collective society at large. In this self-study course, students will gain the important research skills necessary to translate Sanskrit texts by translating modified excerpts from Sanskrit literature. These research skills include basic philology such as etymology, the ability to identify inflexions and grammatical forms, and syntactical analyses. Asynchronous Sanskrit Training2010 | Research Sanskrit: Level 1 is a self-study, asynchronous course. It is the first of a two course series (2010 | Research Sanskrit: Level 1 and 2011 | Research Sanskrit: Level 2) offered by Professor Cogen Bohanec, MA, PhD and Arihanta Institute. Upon completion of both courses, students can expect to complete the Devavāṇīpraveśikā Sanskrit primer (Goldman and Goldman, 1980). In the process, students will learn to memorize, recognize, and recall all major paradigms of inflection (conjugations, declensions, indeclinable suffixes, prefixes, etc.) and use these skills when translating, reading, memorizing, or liturgically reciting Sanskrit texts. The option of asynchronous Sanskrit training is intended as an accessible learning option for self-motivated students who thrive in a self-paced learning environment. Students can move through the course material at their own pace, based on their ability and schedule. Since there are no live classes or synchronous instruction, and given the complexity of the subject matter, students will derive most benefit if they have previously studied Sanskrit, or if they are strongly committed to a daily routine of continued self-study over the course of a year or two, or perhaps longer (keeping in mind that when learning a new language, one should work through a primer more than once). This course may also be useful as a supplement for Sanskrit students who are enrolled in a Sanskrit studies university program, particularly if that course is using the Devavāṇīpraveśikā as a primer. Here, the two course series - 2010 | Research Sanskrit: Level 1 and 2011 | Research Sanskrit: Level 2 - can serve as a tutorial for research skills in basic philology (see “Learning Objectives” section below).  Additionally, students who have previously participated in a Sanskrit program and are looking for a practical review, this course series provides a succinct and comprehensive opportunity to reinforce the necessary skills.Learning ObjectivesLearn to read Sanskrit in Devanagari font.Acquire basic Sanskrit vocabulary.Learn to identify and understand the basic grammatical forms covered in class.Learn to understand key differences between Sanskrit and English syntaxes and to be able to convert Sanskrit syntax into English syntax.Learn basic skills for translation of Sanskrit primary sources for researchBecome familiarized with other cultural and intellectual elements of the broader Sanskrit tradition.

** This asynchronous, "self-study" course is the second level of self-paced Sanskrit and without live instruction. It is best suited for those who have completed 2010 Research Sanskrit: Level 1 and have some familiarity with Sanskrit or experience in learning other languages.**Competency with Sanskrit translation is a key skill for academics in the field of South Asian Studies. It is one of the most important research skills that provides scholars access to resources that are the object of their research. It is also a skill that, when demonstrated with translations in one's publications, gives a great deal of credibility to the academic work of scholars. Sanskrit can also be very helpful to strengthen and deepen one's connection to one's own spiritual tradition. For most Dharma traditions (Jainism, Hinduism, Buddhism, and Yoga), Sanskrit is often the medium of liturgical practices, and Sanskrit texts which tend to form the doctrinal, philosophical, and practical foundation for individual and collective spiritual practices in those traditions. Dharma traditions are deep reservoirs of spiritual wisdom that have the power to transform us personally and collectively in profound ways, and Sanskrit is one of the most important keys to unlocking that great reservoir of ancient spiritual wisdom that is much needed in our own personal lives, and in our collective society at large. In this self-study course, students will gain the important research skills necessary to translate Sanskrit texts by actually translating modified excerpts from Sanskrit literature. These research skills include basic philology such as etymology, the ability to identify inflexions and grammatical forms, and syntactical analyses.  Asynchronous Sanskrit Training2011 | Research Sanskrit: Level 2 is a self-study, asynchronous course. It is the second of a two course series (2010 | Research Sanskrit: Level 1 and 2011 | Research Sanskrit: Level 2) offered by Professor Cogen Bohanec, MA, PhD and Arihanta Institute. Upon completion of both of these courses, students can expect to complete the Devavāṇīpraveśikā Sanskrit primer (Goldman and Goldman, 1980). In the process, students will learn to memorize, recognize, and recall all major paradigms of inflection (conjugations, declensions, indeclinable suffixes, prefixes, etc.) and use these skills when translating, reading, memorizing, or liturgically reciting Sanskrit texts. The option of asynchronous Sanskrit training is intended as an accessible learning option for self-motivated students who thrive in a self-paced learning environment. Students can move through the course material at their own pace, based on their own ability and schedule. Since there are no live classes or synchronous instruction in this course, and given the complexity of the subject matter, students will derive most benefit from this course if they have already studied Sanskrit in a previous course, or if they are strongly committed to a daily routine of continued self-study over the course of at least a year or two, or perhaps longer (keeping in mind that when learning a new language, one should work through a primer more than once).  This course may also be useful as a supplement for Sanskrit students who are enrolled in a Sanskrit studies university program, particularly if that course is using the Devavāṇīpraveśikā as a primer. Here, the two course series - 2010 | Research Sanskrit: Level 1 and 2011 | Research Sanskrit: Level 2 - can serve as a tutorial for research skills in basic philology (see “Learning Objectives” section below).  Additionally, students who have previously participated in a Sanskrit program and are looking for a practical review, this course series provides a succinct and comprehensive opportunity to reinforce the necessary skills. Learning ObjectivesLearn to read Sanskrit in Devanagari font.Acquire basic Sanskrit vocabulary.Learn to identify and understand the basic grammatical forms covered in class.Learn to understand key differences between Sanskrit and English syntaxes  and to be able to convert Sanskrit syntax into English syntax.Learn basic skills for translation of Sanskrit primary sources for research.Become familiarized with other cultural and intellectual elements of the broader Sanskrit tradition.

This synchronous, "live" online course is a 16-week seminar for those wishing to study Sanskrit in a scheduled, live setting with a university professor (class meets twice a week). For those looking to study in a self-paced, asynchronous course, please enroll in 2010 | Research Sanskrit: Level 1. In this course, which is the first of a two course series, students will complete the equivalent of their first semester of graduate level Sanskrit. Students will gain necessary competency for Sanskrit 1 as well as the important research skills necessary to translate Sanskrit texts by translating modified excerpts from Sanskrit literature. These research skills include basic philology such as etymology, the ability to identify inflexions and grammatical forms, and syntactical analyses. This course will be divided into two sections. Upon completion of both of these sections, we will have completed the Devavāṇīpraveśikā Sanskrit primer (Goldman and Goldman, 1980). In the process, students will learn to memorize, recognize, and recall all major paradigms of inflection (conjugations, declensions, indeclinable suffixes, prefixes, etc.) and use these skills when translating, reading, memorizing, or liturgically reciting Sanskrit texts. Competency with Sanskrit translation is a key skill for academics in the field of South Asian Studies. It is one of the most important research skills that gives scholars access to resources that are the object of their research, and it is also a skill that, when demonstrated with translations in one’s publications, gives a great deal of much needed credibility to the academic work of scholars. Sanskrit can also be very helpful to strengthen and deepen one’s connection to one’s own spiritual tradition. For most Dharma traditions (Jainism, Hinduism, and Buddhism), Sanskrit is often the medium of liturgical practices, and Sanskrit texts also tend to form the doctrinal, philosophical, and practical foundation for individual and collective spiritual practices in those traditions. Dharma traditions are deep reservoirs of spiritual wisdom that have the power to transform us personally and collectively in profound ways, and Sanskrit is on one of the most important keys to unlocking that great reservoir of ancient spiritual wisdom that is much needed in our own personal lives, and in our collective society at large. Learning ObjectivesLearn to read Sanskrit in Devanagari font.Acquire basic Sanskrit vocabulary.Learn to identify and understand the basic grammatical forms covered in class.Learn to understand key differences between Sanskrit and English syntaxes and to be able to convert Sanskrit syntax into English syntax.Learn basic skills for translation of Sanskrit primary sources for researchBecome familiarized with other cultural and intellectual elements of the broader Sanskrit tradition.

**This synchronous, "live" online course is a university length (16-week) seminar for those wishing to study Sanskrit in a scheduled, live setting with a university professor (class meets twice a week, Mondays and Fridays at 9:30 a.m. - 10:55 a.m. Pacific). For those looking to study in a self-paced, asynchronous course, please enroll in 2011 | Research Sanskrit: Level 2** In this course, which is Part 2 of 2 (see Course 2012 for first part), students will complete the equivalent of their second semester of graduate level Sanskrit. Students will gain necessary competency for Sanskrit 2 as well as the important research skills necessary to translate Sanskrit texts by translating modified excerpts from Sanskrit literature. These research skills include basic philology such as etymology, the ability to identify inflexions and grammatical forms, and syntactical analyses. Upon completion of this course (and its prerequisite Course 2012), we will have completed the Devavāṇīpraveśikā Sanskrit primer (Goldman and Goldman, 1980). In the process, students will learn to memorize, recognize, and recall all major paradigms of inflection (conjugations, declensions, indeclinable suffixes, prefixes, etc.) and use these skills when translating, reading, memorizing, or liturgically reciting Sanskrit texts. Competency with Sanskrit translation is a key skill for academics in the field of South Asian Studies. It is one of the most important research skills that gives scholars access to resources that are the object of their research, and it is also a skill that, when demonstrated with translations in one’s publications, gives a great deal of much needed credibility to the academic work of scholars. Sanskrit can also be very helpful to strengthen and deepen one’s connection to one’s own spiritual tradition. For most Dharma traditions (Jainism, Hinduism, and Buddhism), Sanskrit is often the medium of liturgical practices, and Sanskrit texts also tend to form the doctrinal, philosophical, and practical foundation for individual and collective spiritual practices in those traditions. Dharma traditions are deep reservoirs of spiritual wisdom that have the power to transform us personally and collectively in profound ways, and Sanskrit is on one of the most important keys to unlocking that great reservoir of ancient spiritual wisdom that is much needed in our own personal lives, and in our collective society at large. Learning Objectives:1. Learn to read Sanskrit in Devanagari font.2. Acquire basic Sanskrit vocabulary.3. Learn to identify and understand the basic grammatical forms covered in class.4. Learn to understand key differences between Sanskrit and English syntaxes and to be able to convert Sanskrit syntax into English syntax.5. Learn basic skills for translation of Sanskrit primary sources for research.6. Become familiarized with other cultural and intellectual elements of the broader Sanskrit tradition.

Unpack the ancient and venerable textual tradition of Jain yoga. Explore the theory behind the psychology and contemplative states of Jain yoga. Study the vocabulary and conceptual frameworks of the Jain yoga tradition.

Engage in a deep interfaith dialogue between Jain Dharma and the Bhagavad-gītā (generally considered to be a Hindu text) by following the basic principles of interfaith dialogue and peacebuilding that are paradigmatic to a variety of sources in the Jain tradition (e.g. the works of Haribhadrasūri, Hemacandra, and Śrīmad Rājchandra). Examine the shared understandings of yoga practice between Jain traditions and that which is advocated in the Bhagavad-gītā, while also underscoring the doctrinal uniqueness of Jain Dharma in terms of metaphysics, epistemology, divinity, and other philosophical concepts. The result is an approach to religious pluralism that advocates for friendship between diverse traditions by showing how a Jain reading of the Bhagavad-gītā can provide a foundation for mutual respect and the valuation of religious and spiritual diversity.

This course is designed for students who have completed an introductory first-yearcourse in Sanskrit and who are familiarized with the content of the Devavāṇīpraveśikā or an equivalent primer. Students will engage in the reading and translation of an important source from the Jain canon, along with its commentary. This course aims to deepen students' understanding of Sanskrit language and literature, as well as introduce them to the commentarial style and tradition. We may select specific texts that are relevant to students’ research and thus help students with their research in terms of translating primary sources. Learning Objectives • Develop advanced Sanskrit reading and translation skills.• Analyze and interpret complex Sanskrit texts.• Understand the commentarial style and tradition in Sanskrit literature with aparticular focus on the Jain tradition, but also in conversation with Hindu andBuddhist traditions.• Apply knowledge of Sanskrit grammar and syntax to translation.• Discuss nuances of South Asian philosophy, theology, languages, literature,culture, etc.• Assist and advise students regarding their research in terms of employment oftranslations of primary source texts.

This advanced Sanskrit course is a direct continuation of Sanskrit 3 and forms part of Arihanta Institute’s ongoing faculty–student research project on Hemacandra’s Yoga-śāstra and its Svopajña-vivaraṇa commentary. Designed for students who have completed a foundational first-year Sanskrit sequence and can read intermediate prose and verse texts, the course applies grammatical and interpretive knowledge to the translation and analysis of this seminal Jain treatise. Through the close reading of Yoga-śāstra passages and their commentarial explanations, students deepen their understanding of Sanskrit syntax, Jain philosophical vocabulary, and classical scholastic style while situating the text within broader South Asian intellectual traditions. In addition to its focus on Jain philosophy and hermeneutics, the course provides a linguistic foundation for understanding the evolution of Indo-Aryan languages. Mastery of Sanskrit at this level equips students for further study of the Middle Indo-Aryan Prakrits, Apabhraṃśas, and later vernaculars—languages that are central to the study of Jain and wider South Asian literary traditions. Emphasis is placed on developing publication-quality translation and research skills, integrating philological precision, hermeneutic awareness, and critical engagement with primary and secondary sources. By participating in a collaborative academic environment—where faculty and students contribute to an evolving body of Jain Studies scholarship—students refine their ability to produce rigorous, well-annotated translations suitable for conference presentation or publication. The course culminates in an independent research paper demonstrating mastery of Sanskrit language and commentarial analysis within the context of Hemacandra’s thought and Jain philosophy more broadly. This course is not offered directly for university credit from Arihanta Institute. However, students who wish to receive language credit from their home institutions (including the MA in Engaged Jain Studies at Claremont School of Theology) are encouraged to contact their administrations to explore the possibility of having this course count toward academic credit through their home institutions. Many universities, particularly at the graduate level, provide mechanisms such as a “special reading course,” “directed reading course,” or other forms of independent study that allow students to work with a faculty member at their institution to tailor a course to their specific needs. In the past, Arihanta Institute students have successfully arranged with their home institutions to take our language classes for university credits from their home institutions under such frameworks, with our instructors providing the final grade and grading rubric directly to their institution. If you are interested in pursuing academic credit in this way, please consult with your home institution’s administration about the available options, and Dr. Bohanec will be happy to work with them to submit your grade for the course to them. Learning ObjectivesDevelop advanced Sanskrit reading, translation, and philological skills, demonstrating mastery of complex grammar, syntax, and vocabulary through accurate and idiomatic renderings of primary texts.Analyze and interpret Sanskrit commentarial literature with attention to Jain philosophical frameworks—particularly Hemacandra’s Yoga-śāstra and Svopajña-vivaraṇa—while engaging in comparative hermeneutic dialogue with Hindu and Buddhist traditions.Apply linguistic and hermeneutic methods to assess philosophical arguments, religious language, and the structure of commentarial reasoning in premodern South Asian texts.Situate Jain philosophical texts within broader South Asian and global intellectual traditions, including comparative study of dharmic and Abrahamic perspectives on ethics, epistemology, and contemplative practice.Discuss and critique nuances in South Asian philosophy, theology, linguistics, literature, and culture, demonstrating both technical precision and interpretive depth.Produce publication-quality translation and research projects, integrating philological analysis, hermeneutic reflection, and ethical awareness appropriate to graduate-level scholarship.