Kundakunda Ãchãrya: His Names and His Era

March, 2024 by Dhruti Ghiya Rathi

Various names assigned to the highly venerated Ãchãrya Kundakunda have always been intriguing to a reader, as to the cause of associating so many names to one person? Could there be a possibility that we are mixing personalities? What other references are available to corroborate the traditional view? In Prakrit, he is known as KondaKundai. Konda, per some authors is his place of origin and hence the name Kunda (flower) from Konda.

Acharya Umasvati – Umasvamin

March, 2024 by Kishor B. Shah

In the annals of Jainism, one of earliest and the most renowned and revered Acharya and author of the Jain philosophy is known to Svetambara Jains as Umasvati and to Digambara Jains as Umasvamin or Umasvami. His seminal work - Tattvartha Sutra represents the epitome of Jain philosophy and enjoys the same status among Jains as say the Bible for Christians, the Quran for Muslims, the Gita for Hindus, or the Vedanta Sutra in Vendanta philosophy.

Acharaya Shri Hemchandracharyaji

March, 2024 by Dilip V. Shah

Kali Kal Sarvagn Shri Hemchandracharya is a much-revered Acharya for the Jains. His essential bio is well known. Born in 1089 on Kartiki Purnima, in Dhandhuka (present day Khambhat), Gujarat to businessman Chach and his wife Pahini Devi, and was named Changdev. Before the birth of Changdev, the parents had an occasion to visit Acharya Shri Devchandrasuri. In giving his blessings, Acharyashri made a profound prediction – their future son is destined to be a great proponent of Jain Dharma.

Āchārya Haribhadra Suri

March, 2024 by Dr. Arihant Kumar Jain

Jainism is one of the ancient Indian religions, where numerous great Ācāryas have significantly contributed to its rich philosophical heritage and have made important contributions in carrying forward the rich knowledge tradition of Jain Philosophy. Among these revered figures, Ācārya Haribhadra Suri stands out as a profound scholar, spiritual guide, and prolific writer whose works continue to inspire and enlighten generations. Most historians believe that his time was after or around 650 AD (due to his familiarity with 'Dharmakirti'). In his writings, he identifies himself as Jinabhadra of the Vidyadhara Kula and a student of Jinadatta. He was a great, philosopher, doxographer, and prolific author with a powerful personality, had written many books in Sanskrit and Prakrit.

There’s a Cow in the Room

March, 2024 by Dr. Sailesh Rao ( Founder of Climate Healers )

Today, I want to rebel with you against false orthodoxy by speaking on bovine matters. I mean, of course, cows. Yes, there is a Cow in the Room and not everyone can see it. The orthodoxy, the herd opinion, is that animal agriculture has little to do with climate change. I believe that is very wrong. I believe that based on the data. I am an environmentalist by occupation, but a systems engineer by profession. I invented the protocol for transforming early analogue internet connections to more robust digital connections while accelerating their speed tenfold.

Singapore Jain Religious Society

March, 2024 by Parul Kothary

Jains have settled in Singapore since the beginning of 20th Century. the Singapore Jain Religious Society was registered in 1972 and our Jain elders secured its current premises in 1978. The location has since been renovated a number of times and in the year 2009, a murti of lord Mahavir was consecrated at the premises. The Jain Center is unique in the world, as it has progressed with the times in accommodating all the different Jain sects in the same premises, keeping to fundamental principles of Jainism. The Society maintains its prime objective a preserving Jain unity in Singapore. Jainism was officially accepted and became the 10th religion to join the Inter Religious Organization (IRO) in 2006. Being a member of IRO raised awareness of Jainism in Singapore.

Aparigraha: Ancient and Contemporary Conception

February, 2024 by Dr. Satyanarain Bhardwaj

Afarsighted view presents a bleak future with no easy solution. Perhaps, there is no solution in the context of what is euphemistically called ‘development,’ ‘progress’ and ‘material advancement.’

Aparigraha: Practising non-attachment

February, 2024 by Emma Newlyn

Aparigraha or non-attachment is the last Yama in Patanjali’s Eight Limbs of Yoga.

Aparigraha

February, 2024 by Sophie Malouin

Aparigraha is the fifth and final Yama (moral restraint) laid out by Patanjali in the Eight Fold Path of Yoga.

Mahavira’s Conflict Resolution Theory

February, 2024 by Dr. Alka Jain

Conflict is a process of social interaction. In this process, there is always a possibility of a difference of interests or a struggle between two parties. This struggle can be due to a race in claims to resources, in the showoff of power and status, or difference in preferences and desires. Conflict can also be seen as the negative dimension of a relationship. This relationship can be between two individuals, two (or more) organizations, or two (or more) departments of an organization. Conflict is an interactive process that starts due to incompatibility or disagreement. Conflict is an inevitable part of society and social interactions.

Challenging Speciesism: Rethinking Humanity’s Relationship with Animals

February, 2024 by Dr. Kiran Ahuja

In a world where humans seamlessly wear leather derived from cows without a care but cringe at the notion of wearing dog skin and where eating salmon is acceptable,

Cultivating Compassion in the Desert

February, 2024 by Rajvi Doshi

The UAE is known for its glamorous skyscrapers and endless desert horizons, making it a cool blend of tradition with modern vibes. For all of us being expatriates of the country, finding a new home in an alien country can be challenging, however this unique blend of warmth this country offered, fit right in to make it feel like home in no time, effectively resulting in the growth of the Jain community. This growth came with lot of reciprocation for the betterment of the Jain community with new ideas, new approaches.