Saathvik Devarakonda, MA - Engaged Jain Studies Graduate Student 

Arihanta Institute & Claremont School of Theology (CST)

What inspired you to undertake graduate studies at Arihanta Institute?

I have been part of the Arihanta Institute family since 2022, when I first contacted Prof. Christopher Jain Miller about my interest and research in Jainism. Encouraged by him, I enrolled in a course with Prof. Jeffrey D. Long titled ‘Embodying Non-Violence—Jain Influences on Mahatma Gandhi’. This experience solidified my belief that Arihanta Institute is among the best institutions for promoting Jainism, its values, and philosophy.

Advocating for Jainism’s contemporary relevance is a steadfast aim of mine, and pursuing my graduate studies at Arihanta Institute is the best opportunity to lay the foundation for this goal. At Arihanta Institute, I have the chance to interact with pioneering experts in Jain studies, engage with the latest research, and strengthen the theoretical foundations for my future research endeavors.

In drawing the roadmap for my academic career and research interests within Jainism, there is no better place than Arihanta Institute. With its pillars being giants such as Dr. Parveen Jain and Prof. Christopher Jain Miller, who embody compassion and empathy alongside their intellectual prowess, Arihanta Institute provides an ideal environment for my growth.

I am deeply committed to a life of philosophy and its practical applications in daily life. Philosophy, in my view, is the first step towards self-reliance. My perspective on philosophy and its pluralistic nature is deeply rooted in the Jain tradition, which first ignited my interest in philosophical questioning and thinking. The foundations of my intellectual and academic pursuits are grounded in a Jain epistemological background. 
 

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?

I am a visual thinker, and I naturally connect the things I learn and think about to the world around me. When I read about anekāntavāda, for example, I can't help but think about the pluralities in the world. This principle, which emphasizes the multifaceted nature of reality and truth, deeply resonates with my experiences in diverse communities. It reminds me to appreciate and engage with multiple perspectives, fostering a more inclusive and empathetic approach in my interactions and projects.

Similarly, studying aparigraha compels me to consider how we impact the wellbeing of the earth, leading to environmental issues. This principle of non-possessiveness challenges me to embrace sustainable living practices and advocate for environmental stewardship within my community. It inspires initiatives that promote conservation and efforts to reduce waste, demonstrating how ancient wisdom can guide modern ecological efforts.

I reject the notion that philosophical thinking belongs solely within the unreachable confines of academia. By connecting my classroom studies to community engagement, I aim to apply these philosophical insights to real-world challenges. For instance, I plan to organize community dialogues that reflect the diversity of perspectives encouraged by anekāntavāda, or lead environmental campaigns grounded in the principles of aparigraha. Through these actions, I seek to create a meaningful impact, integrating academic knowledge with practical applications to benefit the communities around me.
 

What is your background in Jain education and Jain tradition?

When it comes to my background in the Jain tradition, I must sincerely insist that I am a student and will remain one for a good amount of time. It would be the nearest possibility to truth to state that I have not yet engaged with any esoteric texts of the tradition, though I have gone through some introductory ones such as the Syādvādamanjri and some portions of the Tattvārthasūtra. My background so far lies in the advocacy of Jain doctrines of anekāntavāda and syādvāda as healthy epistemic practices necessary for cultivating a sound philosophical framework through my papers and presentations at numerous institutions. I have been linking the very little I have read and understand of the vast tradition to the modern problems of the world we live in.

Why are you interested in pursuing higher studies in Jain education? Would you pursue a career in engaged education or a similar profession? 

I am highly inclined to pursue a doctoral degree in philosophy with a focus on Ethics of Belief, Virtue Epistemology, and Jainism. The rich philosophical traditions and ethical teachings of Jainism, combined with the rigorous analytical frameworks of contemporary epistemology, provide a unique lens through which to explore and address some of the most pressing moral and intellectual questions of our time. My interest in Jain education, particularly its emphasis on non-violence (ahiṃsā), non-possessiveness (aparigraha), and the multiplicity of viewpoints (anekāntavāda), aligns seamlessly with my commitment to engaged education.

I envision a career that not only delves deep into these philosophical realms but also translates their principles into practical applications that benefit society. Engaged education, with its focus on integrating academic insights with community involvement, offers a path where I can both teach and implement these ideas in real-world contexts. By obtaining this degree, I plan to enhance my professional growth by becoming a thought leader and educator who bridges the gap between ancient wisdom and contemporary issues. This expertise will open up opportunities for me to teach at universities, lead community education programs, and consult on ethical practices for organizations.

Additionally, the Engaged Jain Studies program will enable me to publish scholarly articles and books, contributing to the broader discourse on ethics and epistemology. Ultimately, my goal is to use this advanced education to foster environments where ethical reflection and virtuous practices are at the forefront of personal, professional, and communal life. This path not only promises intellectual fulfillment but also positions me for a career that is both impactful and financially rewarding, as I bring valuable insights and ethical clarity to a range of fields and industries.

 

Saathvik Devarakonda is a first-year MA-Engaged Jain Studies graduate student. 

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

If you are interested in applying or just want to learn more, check out our graduate studies webpage or email study@arihantainstitute.org for more information.