Jain Vishva Bharati Institute, Ladnun

By : Mr. Faheem Bhati

Jain Vishva Bharati Institute : established in 1991 with inspiration from His Holiness Acharya Tulsi, the Supreme Head of the Jain Terapanth religious sect. He was the first Anushasta (Preceptor) of the Institute and Acharya Mahaprajna his successor, is the present one. (The Anushasta is a statutory post of the Institute, empowered to discipline the Institute spiritually and morally.)

The Jain Vishva Bharati Institute was accorded with the status of a “Deemed to be University” by the University Grants Commission (UGC) under Section 3 of the U. G. C. Act of 1956, in 1991 on the recommendation of the Government of India.

Mission and Goal - Motto of JVBI : ‘Nanassa Saram Ayaro’ i.e. “Right conduct is the essence of knowledge.” The goal of JVBI has been clearly spelt out in the preamble of JVBI’s constitution which reads ‘JVBI is an endeavour in the direction of putting into practice and to promote and propagate the high ideals of Anekanta (non-absolutist outlook), Ahimsa (Non-violence), Tolerance and Peaceful Co-existence for the weal of mankind”

JVBI combines gyan (Knowledge) and dhyan (meditation). It draws its spiritual strength and direction from Acharya Mahaprajna, who is above any sectarian bias.

Geographical Location : The institute is located at Ladnun, a small town in Nagaur District of Rajasthan, It is 380 KM. West of Delhi and 225 km. north west of Jaipur. It is well served by deluxe and express bus services from Jaipur, Jodhpur, Bikaner, Udaipur, Ajmer, Ahemdabad, Delhi and other cities. From Delhi-Sarai, Rohilla there are trains up to Ratangarh Junction. From Ratangarh journey to Ladnun is of 2 hours by bus or local trains.

The nearest airports are Jaipur and Jodhpur. The campus of Jain Vishva Bharati, sponsoring body of JVBI, is spread over 1,00,600 Sq. Meters of area with trees on either side of the road and parks in the center.

Courses offered - Regular courses : Presently, JVBI offers regular, residential, two years post graduate degree courses and three year undergraduate courses commencing from September every year in the following disciplines.

M. A. in Jainology & Comparative Religion & Philosophy : Syllabus covers Jain metaphysics, Jain ethics, Jain meditation and karma theory, mainly based on canonical texts, and epistemology, Logic and Anekant. It includes comparative study of other schools of Indian philosophy, western philosophy and world religion.

M. A. in Prakrit and Jain Agama : This two year’s course gives a thorough knowledge of Prakrit language, Grammar, philosophy, Prakrit drama, Desi Literature, prosody, Inspirational prakrit and some pali texts with Buddhist hybrid.

M. A / M. Sc. in Science of Living - Preksha Meditation, Yoga-Therapy : This is an innovative course with the aim to impart theoretical as well as practical knowledge of science of living (Jeevan Vigyan), Preksha meditation and yoga therapy. This course includes basic elements of personality development and application of Science of Living as an innovative education to build non-violent society.

M. A. in Non-Violence, Anuvrat, Peace Research : The objective of this course is to provide necessary knowledge and skills to acquire an in-depth understanding of the problem of human survival, the present crisis and seek suitable and appropriate solution in the areas of non-violence and peace technology and education. Syllabus covers Philosophy of Non-Violence, conflict resolution, Methodology of peace Research, thought and action of Anuvrat, Training in Non-Violence, Peace Technology, Peace Education, Environment Ethics, Ecology, etc.

M. A. in Social Work : This course includes ethicospiritual dimension of social work; society economic polity; human growth and behaviour; methods of social work; social work research; health care; social policy and social development; social services and social legislation; welfare administration and project formulation; social development; spirituality and social work; ecology and environment; social work with women, children, and aged; social defence and correctional administration and social legislation.

A certificate course in “Science of Living” and “Preksha Meditation” of one month classroom teaching and two months correspondence is held every year during summer season.

Distance education courses
The University offers correspondence courses in the following disciplines :
MA in Jainology and Comparative Religion & Philosophy. (same syllabus as regular course)
BA with special emphasis on Jainology and allied Subjects:- Syllabus covers Jainology and Prakrit as Major subjects and Sanskrit, Science of living, Non-Violence and peace as electives.

Facilities - Central Library : The JVBI’S Central Library known as “Vardhman Granthagar” has over 60,000 books covering the fields of interest in Indological Studies, Religion, philosophy both Indian and Western, Social Work, etc and over 6,000 rare manuscriptson Prakrit and Jainology. A large number of journals and periodicals are regularly subscribed.

Computer Center : The institute has a well equipped Computer center. Regular students can selectively avail the facility.

Hostel : The institute has co-education . Hostel facility is available to those coming from outside.

Yoga and Meditation Center : The above center is located in “Tulsi Adhyatma Needam” and offers theoretical and practical training to build spiritual *** scientific personality. There are 60 Meditation room here.

Ayurvedic Dispensary : An Ayurvedic Pharmacy research and dispensary for the free treatment of patients is located at the JVB campus where herbal medicines are also prepared.

Audio Visual Center : There is an Audio visual educational center for recording lectures, sermons of holi saints and scholars, discussion and seminars known as “Amritvani”

Extension & Training Wing : The institute has a separate training cell run in collaboration with Jeevan Vigyan Academy for providing exposure to “Science of Living” and “Preksha Meditation” and provide training to teachers, students, administrators, Police personnel and all those who are interested in it.

Views About the Institute : Prof. John Berthrung from Boston University opined - “Their message about non-violence, peace and harmony between religious traditions is a message we all need to hear.

Sir Lewis Randa director of Peace Abbey, welcoming the Jain monk’s to his institute said “I was just so moved when I was in India to discover the Jain’s”.

Randa said referring to his 1987 tour to India to meet mother Teresa. “Having two practitioners of the pacifist Jain religion visit us is an affirmation that our work matters not only to those living nearby, but those living on opposite side of the world as well”.

Appreciation letters were also received from School for International Training-Vermont, Youngstown state university, Cardinal Stritch college- Wisconsin, young town university, and many other organization all over the world including Mr. Symonides the then Peace Director of UNESCO and Joseph Reed (Special representative of secretary gen. UNO).

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Mail to : Ahimsa Foundation
www.jainsamaj.org
R130309