Arihanta
Institute

Learn to Apply Eternal Knowledge to
Build a Lifestyle Inspired by Compassion
and Non-violence

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Featured Events

Upcoming Event
Arihanta Event Partner Event
Arihanta Institute at the 2024 Annual Meetings of the American Academy of Religion
November 23-26, 2024
Please be sure to come say "Jai Jinendra!" to Arihanta Institute’s faculty at the AAR’s 2024 events!
Upcoming Event
Arihanta Event Speaker Series
DEJS: (Alternative) Forms of Priesthood & Monkhood in Jainism
December 2, 2024
Dialogues in European Jain Studies on Priesthood & Monkhood in Jainism with Tillo Detige, Sanjay Kumar, and Eric Villalobos.
Upcoming Event
Arihanta Event Webinar
"Transfarming Switzerland” — Online Film Screening & VSI Panel Discussion
December 10, 2024
Featuring the award-winning short film "Transfarming Switzerland," followed by a VSI panel discussion with the film's director.
Upcoming Event
Arihanta Event Speaker Series
ViVS: Teaching Veganism from an Animal Sanctuary
December 16, 2024
Voices in Vegan Studies online speaker series highlights Vegan Studies educators like Shaleen Shah, Founder of Luvin Arms Animal Sanctuary.
Upcoming Event
Arihanta Event Speaker Series
Compassionate Speech: Anekāntavāda as an Antidote to Polarization
January 21, 2025
Voices in Compassion Studies with Jeffery D. Long on anekāntavāda, compassionate speech, and a deeper dialogue across worldviews.
Upcoming Event
Arihanta Event Webinar
Preksha Meditation: Acharya Shri Mahapragya
March 4, 2025
An insightful Center for the Study of Jain Yoga webinar featuring Acharya Shri Mahapragya, the great master of Preksha Meditation.
Upcoming Event
Arihanta Event Speaker Series
Hearts Beating to the Pulse of Love: The Threefold Rhythm of Restorative Compassion
March 18, 2025
Voices in Compassion Studies with Frank Rogers, PhD on Western spiritual tradition and the three-fold pulse of compassion.
Upcoming Event
Arihanta Event Speaker Series
Compassion Versus Security? What Faith-Based Approaches Can Contribute to the Discussion
May 20, 2025
Voices in Compassion Studies featuring Melanie Barbato. This talk will explore the relationship between compassion and security.
Upcoming Event
Arihanta Event Speaker Series
The Greatest Transformation in Human History
July 22, 2025
Voices in Compassion Studies featuring Sailesh Rao, PhD who will speak about his non-profit dedicated towards healing the climate.
Past Event
Arihanta Event Speaker Series
ViVS: Jain Principles, Animal Law, and Veganism - Living an Engaged Jain Life
November 18, 2024
Voices in Vegan Studies welcomes Nirva Patel, Global Policy Fellow in the Animal Law & Policy Program at Harvard Law School.
Past Event
Arihanta Event Webinar
Compassion in Action: Acharya Shri Chandanaji
November 12, 2024
Join us as we delve into the profound legacy of Acharya Shri Chandanaji as presented by Sadhvi Shri Sanghamitraji.
Past Event
Arihanta Event By Invitation
AI2024 Gala Luncheon
November 10, 2024
A celebration of our achievements and a future of education that inspires individuals toward compassionate living.
Past Event
Arihanta Event Speaker Series
DEJS: Jain Mantras & Theories of Karma
November 5, 2024
Dialogues in European Jain Studies session on Jain Mantras & Karma with Christoph Emmrich, Ellen Gough, and Kristi Wiley. Join us!
Past Event
Arihanta Event MA Program
Master of Arts - Engaged Jain Studies Information Session
October 18, 2024
Please join us for an information session to learn more about our Master of Arts in Engaged Jain Studies graduate program.
Past Event
Arihanta Event Webinar
Animal Futures: A Roundtable on Movement Building
October 11, 2024
Four thought leaders in the animal movement share their perspectives on shifting social norms and effecting tangible changes.
Past Event
Arihanta Event Partner Event
YJA: Applying Jain Professional Ethics in Daily Life
September 14, 2024
In the spirit of the Paryushan and Dashlakshan season and in collaboration with Young Jains of America (YJA).
Past Event
Arihanta Event Webinar
The Life & Teachings of Śrīmad Rājcandra
September 10, 2024
Śrīmad Rājcandra was a significant Jain Saint who founded a modern-orthodox movement within Jainism. Presented by Cogen Bohanec, MA, PhD.
Past Event
Arihanta Event Partner Event
EASR
August 19-23, 2024
Christopher Miller, PhD co-organized a panel at the 21st Annual Conference of the European Association for the Study of Religions
Past Event
Arihanta Event By Invitation
Southern California Celebration & Fundraiser
June 2, 2024
Attended by over 250 community members, Arihanta Institute hosted a celebration & fundraising event at Jain Center of Southern California.
Past Event
Arihanta Event Speaker Series
DEJS: The Future of Jain Studies
May 13, 2024
Dialogues in European Jain Studies: an online speaker series that focuses on Jain Studies research taking place in Europe.
Past Event
Arihanta Event Conference
Yoga in Jainism Conference
April 20, 2024
2nd Annual Engaged Jain Studies Conference: Yoga in Jainism. Join us online on April 20, 2024.
Past Event
Arihanta Event Partner Event
"Embodying Transnational Yoga" Virtual Book Launch
November 13, 2023
SOAS Centre of Yoga Studies hosts this online event with author Dr. Christopher Jain Miller in discussion with Dr. Laura von Ostrowski.
Past Event
Arihanta Event By Invitation
Arihanta Institute 2023 Gala Dinner
October 28, 2023
AI2023 is the signature event of Arihanta Institute where we will share AI’s vision, achievements, and updates for the future.
Past Event
Arihanta Event Partner Event
Jain Professional Ethics: Making a Climate-Friendly Living
October 23, 2023
Christopher Jain Miller, PhD presents the 30th Annual Chander Mohan Jain Memorial Lecture Series.
Past Event
Arihanta Event Webinar
Meet Our Arihanta Institute Educators
September 7, 2023
A special virtual meet-and-greet featuring two of our AI Educators, Professor Cogen Bohanec, PhD and Professor Jonathan Dickstein, PhD.
Past Event
Arihanta Event Conference
Ahimsa Vegan Conference: Jain Voices in Animal Advocacy
August 26-27, 2023
Sponsored by Arihanta Institute, the Jain Vegan Initiative, JAINA's Ahimsak Eco-Vegan Committee, and Compassionate Living.
Past Event
Arihanta Event Conference
JAINA Convention 2023
Jun 30 - Jul 3 2023
Every two years, JAINA, in partnership with a group of local Sanghs, hosts a convention that brings together over 4000 guests worldwide.
Past Event
Arihanta Event Conference
Defining Applied Jain Studies
April 22-23, 2023
Defining Applied Jain Studies conference put on by Arihanta Academy [Institute]
Past Event
Arihanta Event Partner Event
Museum Rietberg: Being Jain
Apr 27 - Dec 31 2022
Prof. Chris Miller speaks to University of Zürich students at Museum Rietberg as they prepare for prestigious Jain art exhibition.
Past Event
Arihanta Event Webinar
Engaging Jain Youth
March 19, 2022
How can the Jain leaders better support meaningful engagement with Jain youth?
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Arihanta Institute's mission is to build a world-class online institution for deeper learning of the principles of compassion and non-violence, and how these principles apply to daily life for the benefit and well-being of individuals and society in light of today’s most pressing concerns.

 


 


 


 




 

Testimonials

I am committed to Jain education and spreading Mahavir's teachings of non-violence and compassion at a global level, and fully support the mission and programs and for Arihanta Institute to continue to flourish and achieve its mission of spreading Jain values and knowledge worldwide. "
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Dr. Jasvant Modi
Community Leader and Philanthropist
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Teaching for the Arihanta Institute was an absolute joy! The staff was extremely helpful with the technical aspects of teaching online, and I even learned a few 'tricks' that I continue to use when giving online presentations. And the students were excellent as well, all being motivated by a genuine love of learning. Working with the Arihanta Institute really makes one feel like one is contributing to the welfare of the world. "
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Jeffery Long, PhD
Professor, Elizabethtown College
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I have loved teaching this course [1015 | Debunking the Myth of Sustainable and Humane Animal Agriculture]. What I have loved most has been the live Q&A. I have never taught a course where my students were active animal activists just looking to learn information to be more effective as activists. No grades. No checking who had done the reading. In fact, they asked for "extra reading." No one asking about how do they "get their protein." Overall, it has been one of the best teaching experiences; it is how I imagined teaching would be when I decided to become a professor. If you are a professor considering if you should agree to also teach a course [at Arihanta Institute]--I highly recommend it. "
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Vasile Stanescu, PhD
Associate Professor of Communication Studies, Mercer University
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We feel extremely happy and grateful to Arihanta Institute for offering such a wonderful online course [Course 1002 | Yoga and Meditation for Daily Life – Stress Management]. Many of our students enrolled [in] the course and successfully completed it with lots of positive changes in them. We as professors observed discernible transformations in our pupils. The students have demonstrated enhancements in their concentration, focus, patience, and composure, as well as an increase in energy and enthusiasm when engaging in a wide range of academic, curricular, and co-curricular pursuits. They are now able to socialize and express themselves better than ever before. The yoga asanas and meditation, which they now have been practicing regularly, have brought in them transformative change. The course has equipped them with a long-term strategy for combating and managing stressful circumstances. We express our gratitude to Mr. Pramod Patel and Dr. Christopher Jain Miller for their endorsement of this course for our Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) students. We would like to express our gratitude and recognition to Dr. Cogen Bohanec for his significant contribution in ensuring the comprehensiveness and efficacy of the course. The Provost of UTU, Dr. D. R. Shah, and the Vice President of UTU, Shri Kiritbhai Patel, have expressed their sincere appreciation and gratitude to Arihanta Institute for their valuable contributions in enriching the educational experience of our students. "
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Dr. Vijay Gondaliya & Bhavna Patel
Director & Assistant Professor, B.V. Patel Institute of Management, Uka Tarsadia University
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Course 1001 | Jain Philosophy in Daily Life has been a great reminder about the basics of Jainism philosophy and how it applies in real contemporary life for me even though I was born a Jain (in the diaspora, outside India) and speak basic Gujarati at home. Having a self-paced course in English which has some academic rigor appealed to me as a busy professional... I am pretty sure my dear late mother will be very happy for me finally taking a keen, serious interest in our religion. I am very grateful for Arihanta Institute to have given me a way to do this that suits my needs. Thank you so much! "
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Priyah Shah
High School Learning Support Teacher
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Arihanta Institute classes have been transformative, providing practical techniques, a deeper self-understanding, and the incorporation of mindfulness into my daily routine. This has notably reduced my stress levels and enhanced my overall well-being. The empowerment from these classes has allowed me to lead a more balanced and fulfilling life, and I'm thankful for the valuable skills and insights gained. "
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Krishna Tiwari
Student, B.V. Patel Institute of Management, Uka Tarsadia University
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Arihanta Institute's course, 1014 | Jainism, Veganism, and Engaged Religion, is a remarkable example of the transformative power of aligning nonviolence, or ahimsa, with daily living. Professors Miller and Dickstein expertly highlight the Jain tradition, sparking essential conversations about animal agriculture, spiritual practice, and ethically navigating climate collapse. If you're seeking a compassionate path forward, I highly recommend this course. Every week brought a welcoming dialogue with our cohort of students and additional insights from our professors. Thank you, Arihanta Institute! "
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Diana Hulet
Writer, Animal Photojournalist, and Graduate Student, MA – Engaged Jain Studies
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The information that I have learned from this course [3002 | Yoga Sutra: The Classical Yoga of Patanjali] has been invaluable to me as a Buddhist teacher... With amazing examples and insights from Dr. Miller, I have a deeper understanding of the material and it has allowed for deeper insight. I have enjoyed this course and look forward to taking many more... "
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Rev. Kanjin Cederman
Buddhist Minister, Nicherin Buddhist Temple
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Dr. Cogen Bohanec takes a digestible but careful approach to Sanskrit, breaking the language into easy-to-absorb units of memorization (e.g., declension charts) and conscientiously guiding his students through the process of translation. The natural linguist and the not-so-natural linguist (I locate myself in the latter class) will find his program helpful. Additionally, Dr. Bohanec possesses a great grasp of dharmic traditions, often placing the Sanskrit in its many pre-modern and contemporary contexts. Finally, Dr. Bohanec displays an exceptional interest in the success of his students, making himself available to a degree rarely seen in the academy. I highly, highly recommend both him and his course. "
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Reese LeBlanc
PhD Student, Claremont School of Theology
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The 'Introduction to Jainism: Non-violence as a Way of Life' class at Arihanta Institute was a transformative experience for me. The course seamlessly blended intellectual depth with spiritual wisdom, providing profound insights into the essence of Jainism. Professor Jonathan Dickstein's expertise and passion for South Asian religions [is] truly exceptional; he made each class a captivating exploration. Professor Dickstein's teaching style, marked by a genuine desire to help students grasp complex concepts, made the learning experience both enriching and thoroughly enjoyable. I am very grateful for this enlightening journey with Arihanta Institute and Claremont School of Theology. "
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James Taylor
Graduate Student, MA – Engaged Jain Studies
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Professor Miller’s expertise and passion for Jainism have not only enriched my understanding of this profound Jain philosophy but have also inspired my deeper insight to know more and more about Jainism. His tireless efforts in research and teaching have consistently elevated me to new heights in understanding the inner meaning of the Jain scriptures including Tattvārthasūtra. I am grateful to have had the opportunity to learn from Dr. Miller and to have him as part of my academic journey. His mentorship and guidance have molded my educational experience in understanding Jainism. "
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Chellamuthu Rajamani
Graduate Student, MA – Engaged Jain Studies
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