Gopal Soni, Master of Arts - Engaged Jain Studies Graduate Student 

Arihanta Institute & Claremont School of Theology

What inspired you to undertake graduate studies at Arihanta Institute?

The unique design of the MA-Engaged Jain Studies and the faculty members of Arihanta Institute persuaded me to join this program. Among Hindu, Buddhist and Jaina Studies, the former ones have attained a stable and attractive position in global academia, but contrarily Jaina Studies is less known and less talked about! 

What lacks today is the interpretation of religion with the present circumstances. Arihanta Institute’s presentation regarding the study of Jaina Religion proves that every academic sphere requires its analysis in the light of the present moment. 

Furthermore, as a passionate student of religion and theology, it is my desire to understand the teaching-learning process of South Asian religious studies in western academia. I am observing that new schools for Jaina Studies are coming up with varied courses, such as the recent program established at University of Birmingham. I see myself as an academic in the broad discipline of South Asian religions and culture. Jaina Studies will become my focus area while pursuing the MA program at Arihanta Institute.

How do you see yourself connecting your studies in the classroom with the community(ies), organizations, etc. that you are involved in or which are around you? How do you plan to use what you learn in the world?

Whatever I learn, I will observe its practical dimensions for our everyday lives. Further, this program enchanted me due to its relevance in the present and in the coming times. Our learning influences our behavior. What I have taken from my studies in the field of religious studies until now is how we as a whole can become more humane, how our lives can become more peaceful, and how we can create a more harmonious environment. I will continue to pursue this influence in the MA-Engaged Jain Studies program.

What is your background in Jain education and Jain tradition?

I have had a Hindu upbringing. My days used to start with the religious hymns and prayers which were telecasted on television every early morning. In all of those prayers sometimes I used to hear the Jaina Namokar Mantra. And without any conscious effort it is in my memory all the way until today. This was the first thing which I took from the Jaina tradition. Furthermore, one of my friends at school was a Śvetāmbara Jain. I used to ask him about the Jaina Religion and the lifestyle. He used to share with me the lifestyle of a Jaina householder and an ascetic. He gave me many glimpses of Jaina culture. As I grew up my interest deepened in the sphere of South Asian Religions. I read, listen and interpret the concepts of Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism as much as I can all the way into the present. My graduate studies also included courses on South Asian religions and cultures.

Why are you interested in pursuing higher studies in Jain education? Would you pursue a career in engaged education or a similar profession? How do you plan to use the degree for your professional growth and career opportunities?

I would like to pursue a higher degree in Jaina Studies, because my interests lie in this field. I have knowledge of early Hindi language and literature, and there are many early Jaina Texts which are written in Hindi. I might also engage myself actively in the theological studies emerging from South Asia, and Jaina Studies is one of the academic fields in which I see my efforts unfolding. I have a plan to pursue a doctorate degree in South Asian Religions, though I am continuing to develop my area of focus. Upon completion of this MA program, it is my goal to have made a decision about my doctoral pursuits.

Gopal Soni is a first-year MA-Engaged Jain Studies graduate student. 

We are pleased to welcome scholars like Gopal, who seek a deeper understanding of Jain philosophy and South Asian religions to actively engage in theological, academic, and/or personal pursuits.

If you are interested in applying to our MA-Engaged Jain Studies program, or just want to learn more about it, you can register to attend our next MA Info Session on Friday, October 18, 2024 at 9 a.m. PDT.  

You can also check out our webpage or email study@arihantainstitute.org for more information.