Arihanta Institute’s vision is that Jain philosophy and practice will become more widely known, appreciated, and adopted through enhanced and accessible education in Jain teachings and practice.
Our Vision
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The inspiration behind this vision is a profound message from Acharya Sushil Kumar, one of the most revered Jain monks of recent time – a pioneer who travelled outside of India to globally promote Jain philosophy and the message of peace and brotherhood. He stated:
Acharya Sushil Kumar
“I firmly believe in the profound impact of spirituality on society’s cultural, social, and political fabric. Only ahiṁsā and peaceful means can provide lasting solutions for human disputes and environmental problems we currently face.
The teachings of Lord Tīrthaṅkaras will reverse the downward spiral of human quality, and we must do everything possible to make the world aware of their venerated wisdom. Along with the temples of worship, we must create temples of learning by establishing high-quality institution(s) to teach Jain philosophy and promote the esteemed Jain scholarship. This is crucial not only for the flourishment of Jain dharma but for the survival of humanity.”
The teachings of Lord Tīrthaṅkaras will reverse the downward spiral of human quality, and we must do everything possible to make the world aware of their venerated wisdom. Along with the temples of worship, we must create temples of learning by establishing high-quality institution(s) to teach Jain philosophy and promote the esteemed Jain scholarship. This is crucial not only for the flourishment of Jain dharma but for the survival of humanity.”
Our Impact
Jain teachings have inspired renowned social and political leaders like Mahatma Gandhi, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and others. Furthermore, the tradition has always been at the forefront of promoting integrated and interdependent living, as expressed in the precept “parasparopagraho jīvānām,” meaning that all life is bound together by mutual support and interdependence, for better or for worse. This precept and the broader Jain way of life have directly and indirectly served as thematic motivation for movements like veganism, animal rights, social justice, and sustainability both within and outside the Jain tradition worldwide.
As an institution we seek to demonstrate how Jain principles such as non-violence, non-possession, charity, compassion, and many more can be put into practice within the context of globalized society’s complex, manifold challenges including climate change, environmental degradation, social injustice, speciesism, and much more.
In order to bring this vision to reality, our course offerings present Jain philosophical and ethical principles in the context of these everyday concerns, in both introductory and advanced formats. Our instructors introduce students to allied fields of inquiry such as animal studies, environmental studies, social justice studies, food studies, psychology, and professional ethics.
As an institution we seek to demonstrate how Jain principles such as non-violence, non-possession, charity, compassion, and many more can be put into practice within the context of globalized society’s complex, manifold challenges including climate change, environmental degradation, social injustice, speciesism, and much more.
In order to bring this vision to reality, our course offerings present Jain philosophical and ethical principles in the context of these everyday concerns, in both introductory and advanced formats. Our instructors introduce students to allied fields of inquiry such as animal studies, environmental studies, social justice studies, food studies, psychology, and professional ethics.
All of these fields contain, to varying degrees, science and data-backed insights that show how Jain principles can be most effectively lived and expressed in contemporary life and society.
In addition to our courses, our faculty are also engaged in advanced research in Jain Studies and allied fields of inquiry. Through this research, they advance the field of Jain studies with new translations of Jain texts, engage new academic fields in dialogue with Jain principles and bring the field into new and unchartered territory.
Everyone, whether born Jain or not, irrespective of their background, profession, or lifestyle, can benefit from Jain studies. In turn, they can help to build a more just, peaceful, and sustainable society. Yet until now, access to Jain studies has been limited and not readily accessible to those living outside of India.
Arihanta Institute’s goal is, therefore, to become the world’s leading Jain educational institution with renowned scholars and researchers in order to acquaint the world with the treasure of these venerated teachings by democratizing Jain studies worldwide.
Welcome to Arihanta Institute!
In addition to our courses, our faculty are also engaged in advanced research in Jain Studies and allied fields of inquiry. Through this research, they advance the field of Jain studies with new translations of Jain texts, engage new academic fields in dialogue with Jain principles and bring the field into new and unchartered territory.
Everyone, whether born Jain or not, irrespective of their background, profession, or lifestyle, can benefit from Jain studies. In turn, they can help to build a more just, peaceful, and sustainable society. Yet until now, access to Jain studies has been limited and not readily accessible to those living outside of India.
Arihanta Institute’s goal is, therefore, to become the world’s leading Jain educational institution with renowned scholars and researchers in order to acquaint the world with the treasure of these venerated teachings by democratizing Jain studies worldwide.
Welcome to Arihanta Institute!