It is thanks to the constant support of the following institutions that the International Conference on Science and Jain Philosophy (ICSJP) can be held. Read more about these institutions below.
Jain Studies
FIU’s Jain Studies Program is the first of its kind in the western hemisphere. Rooted in scholarship on the history, scriptures, doctrines, art, practices and literature of Jainism, the program extends to apply such key Jain concepts of Ahimsa (non-harm), Aparigraha (non-possession) and Anekantavada (non-absolutism) to a range of fields such as Business, Law, Environmental Studies, Economics and Development Studies. Jain Studies at FIU includes courses at the undergraduate and graduate levels, infusing Jain perspectives into courses in a wide variety of disciplines, study abroad programs, lectures and symposia. The program also offers support for student and faculty research, exchange programs, and extracurricular activities such as Preksha meditation and hosts events in conjunction with the South Florida Jain community.
JERF
The Jain Education and Research Foundation (JERF) strives to foster the Jain philosophy and religion in the academic world within the Americas. JERF wishes to educate the core principles of Jainism, like nonviolence, multiplicity of views and limited possession at the academic level. At the end of the day, the end goal is to enlighten the world with philosophy to live than merely to think. In simple terms, to inculcate the words of Mahavir, “nanassa sara ayaro” which means “Conduct is the essence of Knowledge”. We work to teach the skills of application of knowledge.
JAINA : Federation of Jain Associations in North America
The Federation of Jain Associations in North America, an umbrella organization of 72 Jain Centers representing 150,000 members in USA and Canada; with a mission to preserve, practice, and promote Jain Dharma and Jain Way of Life. With the blessings of Acharya Sushil Kumarji and Gurudev Chitrabhanuji, JAINA was founded in 1981 and formalized in 1983. JAINA is the largest organization of Jains outside India and conducts its various programs and initiatives through several committees. The dream of unity of all Jains is alive and thriving in North America through JAINA, as it represents Jains of all sects from all regions of the world.
UC Davis Jain Studies Program
Religion is a major force in human experience. It has shaped the world’s history, literature, art, culture, politics, ethics, and economics. The Department of Religious Studies at UC Davis offers courses in the world’s major religious traditions (Judaism, Buddhism, Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Chinese and Japanese religions), as well as cross-cultural courses dealing with religious symbols, myths, and rituals in written texts, art, theater, film, and the internet. We also offer thematic courses dealing with such topics as religion and the body, fundamentalism, religion and science, mysticism, meaning and identity, theories of religion, and religion and violence.
Banner image: The Kalpasūtra is one of the most important and popular texts in the Śvetāmbara tradition of Jainism. It is formed of a first part which deals with the lives of the Jinas (especially Mahāvīra, Pārśvanātha, Neminātha and Ṛṣabhanātha). The Jinas were all born as princes who renounced their worldly privileges to become mendicants and seek enlightenment through ascetic discipline. The second part includes the praise of early Jain teachers and the monastic rules for the rainy season. Many versions of the text exist, with commentaries of various length and character also in regional languages such as Gujarati and Hindi. The Kalpasūtra is used in daily practice and also read and recited by monks in the Paryuṣaṇa festival. (source)