Forgiveness as Compassion
Forgiveness as Compassion
Available for self-study starting March 3, 2025.Course 2015
Forgiveness or ‘Kṣamāpanā’ is arguably the most important virtue and practice, known to be synonymous to and vital for the practice of non-violence, compassion, and peace for individuals and the global community. As one of the most ancient religious traditions, Jainism is not only rich with the philosophical sources on the concept of forgiveness, but the Jain tradition also offers lived ways to practice forgiveness in our daily life. Learn the Jain way of forgiveness in conversation with non-violence, compassion, and peace.
All suggested course readings are provided as links and pdfs throughout the course.
Learning Objectives:
- Understand the foundational philosophy of forgiveness in the Jain tradition.
- Learn how the Jain tradition provides rich philosophical resources and practices that encourage us “to forgive” and “seek forgiveness.”
- Incorporate Jain virtues and practices into your own life and significantly contribute to creating a compassionate, non-violent, and peaceful world.
Course Details
4 hours Self-Study (Professor available by appointment in office hours)Learning Area
Social Justice Instructor
Venu Mehta
Venu Mehta, an Assistant Professor of Jainism & Comparative Spiritualities at the Claremont School of Theology, specializes in Jainism with a primary focus on Jain regional-vernacular devotional literature, narratives, and practices. Her PhD dissertation investigates the devotion to the Jain goddess Padmāvatī among the Śvetāmbar Mūrtipūjak Jains in Gujarat. Additionally, her work explores the Jain concept of forgiveness, and the various ways in which the Jain practice of aparigraha’s co-relates with human dignity, sustainability, and Gandhian approach to economy. Her recent research and publication also delve into Jain-Hindu comparative theologies/spiritualities, particularly regarding goddesses. In addition to teaching specialist courses on Jainism, she also instructs courses on South Asian traditions, comparative spiritualities, and gender and women in spiritual practices. Mehta’s research approach often integrates ethnography with textual study, but considers prioritizing the practices, experiences, and expressions of Jains.