Master of Arts
Engaged Jain Studies
Arihanta Institute and
Claremont School of Theology
Claremont School of Theology
Degree Programs
Master of Arts
- Engaged Jain StudiesClaremont School of Theology
Claremont School of Theology (CST) offers a fully online Master of Arts in Engaged Jain Studies, the first of its kind. This program is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of Jain philosophy and its practical applications in the modern world. Arihanta Institute faculty are engaged at CST as Adjunct Faculty members under an academic agreement, contributing their expertise and offering courses. This flexible, remote program is open to individuals of all backgrounds, with no requirement to adhere to Jain philosophy or identity and is designed to help students incorporate Jain wisdom into their personal and professional lives.
As a global society, we face unprecedented environmental and social challenges. Individuals, both within and outside the Jain community, who are interested in the Jain tradition, seek to understand how its philosophical and ethical insights can be applied to personal, professional, and social life for the betterment of society and the planet. What distinguishes this Master of Arts program is its unique focus on integrating rigorous Jain scholarship—spanning philosophy, ethics, history, and anthropology—into the practical, everyday lives of students.
The program’s interreligious course offerings further enhance this integration by providing critical and sought-after perspectives from yoga, dharma traditions, and other religious philosophies.
As a global society, we face unprecedented environmental and social challenges. Individuals, both within and outside the Jain community, who are interested in the Jain tradition, seek to understand how its philosophical and ethical insights can be applied to personal, professional, and social life for the betterment of society and the planet. What distinguishes this Master of Arts program is its unique focus on integrating rigorous Jain scholarship—spanning philosophy, ethics, history, and anthropology—into the practical, everyday lives of students.
The program’s interreligious course offerings further enhance this integration by providing critical and sought-after perspectives from yoga, dharma traditions, and other religious philosophies.
The program also provides elective courses that explore the applications of fundamental Jain principles such as non-violence (ahiṃsā), non-possession (aparigraha), and openness to dialogue with other religious traditions (anekāntavāda), in the context of allied fields such as animal studies, environmental studies, and business ethics.
Ahiṃsā is the paramount virtue in the Jain tradition, advocating non-violence in thought, communications, and physical actions toward all forms of life, including animals and the environment. Aparigraha, or non-possession, calls for a simple, constrained-consumptive life in the face of the sensory distractions of contemporary consumer society, urging us to limit our material possessions to reduce our environmental impact. Anekāntavāda emphasizes maintaining openness to learning from others’ views and appreciating other religious and philosophical perspectives, fostering a more open-minded and peaceful society.
To facilitate the integration of these principles, students are encouraged to engage with their local communities, non-profit organizations, or other institutions to ensure engaged learning and application of their knowledge in service to the world.
Ahiṃsā is the paramount virtue in the Jain tradition, advocating non-violence in thought, communications, and physical actions toward all forms of life, including animals and the environment. Aparigraha, or non-possession, calls for a simple, constrained-consumptive life in the face of the sensory distractions of contemporary consumer society, urging us to limit our material possessions to reduce our environmental impact. Anekāntavāda emphasizes maintaining openness to learning from others’ views and appreciating other religious and philosophical perspectives, fostering a more open-minded and peaceful society.
To facilitate the integration of these principles, students are encouraged to engage with their local communities, non-profit organizations, or other institutions to ensure engaged learning and application of their knowledge in service to the world.
Who Would Benefit from This Degree?
This graduate program is designed for individuals seeking to understand how to apply Jain philosophy and principles at the highest level in their personal, professional, and spiritual lives. The degree is ideal for:
1) Young professionals and householders, both Jain and non-Jain of all ages, seeking to integrate Jain ethical principles into their daily lives.
2) Non-Jains who resonate with Jain values, such as vegans, animal advocates, and environmentalists, and wish to deepen their personal, spiritual, social, and professional practices.
3) Young adults and retirees who wish to enhance their spiritual journeys and explore the transformative potential of Jain teachings.
What Outcomes Can Graduates Expect?
The MA program emphasizes the practical application of Jain principles, guided by expert faculty who have years of experience employing an "Engaged Jainism" pedagogical approach at the university level. This methodology brings Jain wisdom into real-world contexts, addressing the complex challenges faced by society today.
Graduates will not only enhance their personal and spiritual development but will also gain the tools to integrate Jain principles and ethics into their professional lives and will also be equipped to create and lead entrepreneurial ventures grounded in Jain values. Additionally, those seeking to further their academic careers will be well-prepared to pursue PhD studies in Jain Studies, Yoga Studies, Dharma Studies, South Asian Studies, and other related fields.
Apply Today!
To schedule an appointment with a faculty advisor from Claremont School of Theology (CST) and learn more about the program, please email: admission@cst.edu.
Additionally, you may contact Arihanta Institute faculty advisors, who serve as Adjunct Faculty at CST, at: study@arihantainstitute.org.
Additionally, you may contact Arihanta Institute faculty advisors, who serve as Adjunct Faculty at CST, at: study@arihantainstitute.org.