The first of its kind collaboration between the Jain Vegan Initiative and JAINA’s Ahimsak Eco-Vegan Committee, Arihanta Academy brings a course focused on veganism through the lens of applied Jainism. Throughout history, Jains have been at the forefront of promoting non-violence, with consideration of life extending to the microscopic level. Parallels can be found in ethical veganism, animal rights, environmentalism, and social justice. Those not familiar with veganism are welcome to join but prior knowledge is useful. The primary intention of this course is to serve as an introductory educational resource for those Jains who are already vegan or vegan-curious, to equip them with current, accurate information with which to promote a non-violent lifestyle.

The Jain Vegan Initiative brings this course designed to introduce the connection between Jain Philosophy and Environmentalism. It introduces a unique lens for looking at the environment by understanding how various communities are affected differently, and how measurements of environmental impact that take into global average impacts dilute a sense of urgency. The stress-free transition from being part of the problem to being a part of the solution in a busy and rapidly urbanizing life will be discussed. The course will entail action oriented self-assessment and discussion regarding effective ways of spreading environmental awareness.  Learning Objectives:Looking at the environment and environmental action from the Jain lens.Learning about how using global averages to assess environmental impact dilutes the sense of urgency and the disproportionate impact on different communities.Understanding how ignoring the effects of day to day individual choices may imply participation in propagating injustice.Learning how our individual actions are tied to systemic problems of capitalism and consumerism.Obtaining a practical, stress-free, and planned approach to lifestyle transition in a busy, rapidly urbanizing life, and some ways of creating increased environmental awareness