Diana Hulet, Master of Arts - Engaged Jain Studies Graduate Student 

Arihanta Institute & Claremont School of Theology

What inspired you to undertake graduate studies at Arihanta Institute?

Humanity is at a crossroads - with dwindling ecosystems, an instrumental view of the planet and each other, and ripening discord between borders and faiths. Much of our society has been built upon systemic injustices, and in order to unravel and reimagine, we need visionaries to light the way. We need people who are willing to let individualism yield to interconnection and who will speak out for the most vulnerable populations - climate refugees, animals in agriculture, clearcut forests. After decades pursuing a form of enlightenment gleaned from dharmic texts, I would like to imagine an Eden that is here on earth and a samādhi that is collective.

The primary reason I undertake graduate studies at Arihanta Institute is to immerse myself in the fields of Yoga Studies and the most recent MA concentration of Veganism, Animals, and Ecology. I am particularly interested in exploring how these disciplines overlap and centering the practice of ahiṃsā in daily life. What I find most thrilling, is that these topics will emerge in dialogue with leading scholars including Christopher Jain Miller and Jonathan Dickstein, as well as fellow students who envision a just and compassionate future. That I intend to continue my work as an engaged animal advocate and educator within the fields of Veganism and Ecology positions me well in this program.

The weaving together of theological disciplines with social justice issues seems to be a most appropriate next step for a life that is rich in both quiet contemplation and conscious advocacy - a life of purpose and hope. 

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?

Without knowing the exact outcome of receiving this degree, I am confident that my goals include teaching and publishing in the disciplines of yoga studies, ecology and animal ethics. I have a book proposal in progress that weaves the ethical concepts of yoga with environmental and social justice issues, and I would like to continue developing these ideas with my professors and cohort. Furthermore, I intend to engage more deeply with the global Jain community and glean where I can, immerse myself in service, perhaps acting as a consultant for those seeking an ethically aligned and inspired life. 
 

At this time, I already have a strong network of practitioners, artists, scholars and environmental advocates who I would like to see come together for gatherings that bring us all into a dialogue about what the world could be. Such gatherings could come in the form of virtual or in person offerings such as workshops and retreats that are engaging, healing and inspiring for attendees. It’s time to hold space for the suffering of the world, and also turn our eyes towards a horizon of possibility.

From where I stand, it is clear that I have taken a road less traveled - one of the contemplative and the seeker. As I become more aware of the immense challenges we face as a species, within a world that we have so drastically altered, disciplines of theology and philosophy are needed more than ever for every single law or program that is put in place to protect who and what we love, emerges from our beliefs. Participating in this graduate program will provide me with the skills to engage in conversations not only with those who share a similar vision for the future, but also those who are afraid to let go of the old paradigm that brought us here. 
 

What is your background in Jain education and Jain tradition?

Aside from courses I have taken with Professor Christopher Jain Miller and Professor Jeffrey Long, my background in Jain education and tradition are minimal yet rich in feeling. I have been a student of the yoga tradition for nearly thirty years, and my focus has always been the philosophical and ethical teachings. These are what have kept me steeped in both formal and engaged practice. Ahiṃsā is foundational in my life, and I am deeply interested in learning how to broaden its scope in my daily interactions with others. I have recently learned of the Jain Society of Oregon and SW Washington and intend to participate in community events. It is clear to me that I must be a Jain at heart, as other pathways towards the divine have often fallen short in their ethical direction, and I am aware that any advocacy work I bring to the world is only impactful if it comes from the ground of spiritual practice.

My yoga practice has always been informed by the heart. Even the movements of āsana are as a subtle offering. I stepped onto the mat and sat on the cushion in order to heal from great loss – the death of both of my parents, which left me without a close family, so the numinous energy of god, source, absolute reality, call it by any name, was my life raft to cross the sea of heartbreak.

Practice and contemplation have become my ground and have provided a steady foundation for the ebbs and flows of life, illness, despair, joy, awe, and wonder. I have longed to follow a tradition that is based in nonviolence, simplicity and appreciation for life. The Jain tradition appears to be the most aligned with how I bridge my values with the felt experience of a changing world. 

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 most definitely pursue higher studies in education as well as a career in the fields of ethics and ecology. One of the main reasons I applied for a graduate degree is to be positioned for opportunities as a lecturer or presenter in engaged education. As someone who recently returned to university in order to complete a degree I began many years ago, I am well aware of the importance of studies that are both in the classroom and within personal spiritual practice. My time on the faculty at Oregon State University provided numerous opportunities for me, including co-creating a course titled Mindful Forest Walking where we brought students into the local woods and participated in contemplative practices such as silence, meditation, and reflecting on how our daily actions impact the planet. Teaching this course was the highlight of my time at OSU, and I will continue to highlight the importance of weaving together spiritual disciplines with embodied advocacy work.

My current projects include emerging work in animal photojournalism with “What If We Saw Them” - images and stories of animals in agriculture and other areas where they are often invisible. I am also a Board Member and contributor to the multimedia platform Sanctuary Doc, which tells stories of compassion and animals within the world’s greatest challenges including climate change and homelessness.

The coming decades will be increasingly challenging as we reach more tipping points and bear witness to a planet trying to right itself. However, there is no time to point fingers or blame, we must fill the ark with who is left and listen equally to the call for quiet contemplation and the glorious song of the world - both shrill and stunning in their call for humanity to awaken. Thank you for the opportunity to share these words with you. I look forward to envisioning a future together.
 

Diana Hulet is a first-year MA-Engaged Jain Studies graduate student. Diana's journey is driven by her passion for ecological justice, animal advocacy, and spirituality, weaving these vital issues into her academic and advocacy work. 

We are truly grateful to welcome students like Diana, Jay, and Gopal to the MA-Engaged Jain Studies program. Read their stories in previous articles of the “Meet Our MA Students” series. 

If you are interested in applying or just want to learn more, 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.