Podcast

In this episode of the Engaged Jain Studies Podcast , we speak to Arihanta Institute's Professor Cogen Bohanec, MA, PhD . Dr. Bohanec discusses his journey into Jain Studies, influenced by his broader practice of yoga, his study of Sanskrit, and his academic exploration of dharma traditions. Episode Highlights: Path to Jain Studies: Dr. Bohanec shares his academic and personal journey, highlighting the pivotal role of yoga and Sanskrit in his studies. The significance of Sanskrit in Jain Studies and Yoga Studies is examined, emphasizing its academic and practical applications. Courses at Arihanta Institute: Insights into the graduate and certificate-level courses Dr. Bohanec teaches, offering a comprehensive look at the curriculum. Publications Preview: A sneak peek into Professor Bohanec's new book, Bhakti Ethics, Emotions, and Love in Gauḍīya Vaiṣṇava Metaethics , and his co-edited volume Engaged Jainism: Critical and Constructive Approaches to the Study of Jain Social Engagement . Join us for an enriching discussion that explores the intersection of language, philosophy, and spiritual practice in Jain Studies. Subscribe and stay tuned for more enlightening episodes! *** Guest : Cogen Bohanec, MA, PhD, Assistant Professor at Arihanta Institute Cogen Bohanec currently holds the position of Assistant Professor in Sanskrit and Jain Studies at Arihanta Institute where he teaches various courses on Jain philosophy and its applications. In addition, he is a Visiting Assistant Professor at Claremont School of Theology (CST) where he teaches Sanskrit and Gujarati, and he has taught numerous classes on South Asian Culture & Religions and Sanskrit language at the Graduate Theological Union (GTU) in Berkeley. Dr. Bohanec specializes in the Jain and Hindu traditions, comparative dharma traditions, philosophy of religion, theo-ethics (virtue ethics, and environmental and animal ethics in particular), and Sanskrit language and literature, and has numerous publications in those areas, particularly in the fields of Jain and Hindu Studies amongst other disciplines. He has a PhD in “Historical and Cultural Studies of Religion” with an emphasis in Hindu Studies from GTU, where his research emphasized ancient Indian languages, literature, and philosophical systems. He also holds an MA in Buddhist Studies from the Institute of Buddhist Studies at GTU where his research primarily involved translations of Pāli Buddhist scriptures in conversation with the philology of the Hindu Upaniṣads. He is the author of “Bhakti Ethics, Emotions and Love in Gauḍīya Vaiṣṇava Metaethics” (Lexington, 2024), an interdisciplinary study that frames traditional Hindu themes of ecotheology, ecofeminist theology, feminist care ethics, within a framework of virtue ethics in conversation with a bhakti-based psychology of emotions. Currently he is largely engaged in publication and research on various aspects of the Jain tradition, emphasizing translations and analyses of Jain Sanskrit, Prakrit, and Gujarati texts, but is also publishing academic works on various topics within the Hindu tradition. Host: Christopher Miller, PhD, Professor at Arihanta Institute Christopher Jain Miller is the co-founder, Vice President of Academic Affairs, and Professor of Jain and Yoga Studies at Arihanta Institute . He completed his PhD in the study of Religion at the University of California, Davis and is also a Visiting Researcher at the University of Zürich's Asien-Orient-Institut and Visiting Professor at Claremont School of Theology where he co-developed and co-runs a remotely available Masters Degree Program focusing on Engaged Jain Studies . His current research focuses on Engaged Jainism and Modern Yoga, and he is the author of a number of articles and book chapters concerned with Jainism and the practice of modern yoga. Christopher is the author of Embodying Transnational Yoga: Eating, Singing, and Breathing in Transformation (Routledge 2024), as well as co-editor of the volumes Engaged Jainism: Critical and Constructive Approaches to the Study of Jain Social Engagement (SUNY 2025) and Beacons of Dharma: Spiritual Exemplars for the Modern Age (Lexington 2020). Yoga in Jainism Conference 2024 Learn More: Master of Arts - Engaged Jain Studies - Now accepting applications! Scholarships available. 40+ Self-paced Online Courses | Jainism, Veganism, Animal Advocacy, Climate Change, Yoga, Professional Ethics, Social Justice Subscribe to the Arihanta Institute Newsletter Copyright 2024 Arihanta Institute

In this episode of the Engaged Jain Studies Podcast , Arihanta Institute professors Cogen Bohanec and Jonathan Dickstein discuss the emerging field of Vegan Studies and the recently launched Vegan Studies Initiative (VSI@AI) at Arihanta Institute. Episode Highlights: Defining Disciplines: Dr. Dickstein explores the distinctions and overlaps among Animal Studies, Critical Animal Studies, Food Studies, and Vegan Studies, emphasizing the interdisciplinary approach of Vegan Studies. Asking the BIG Questions: The conversation delves into ethical considerations, questioning why we should care about animals amidst human suffering, war, and caste-based oppression. VSI@AI: Learn about the innovative online program that promotes and enacts veganism as an expression of multispecies nonviolence. Join us for an insightful and engaging discussion that underscores the significant role of Jain studies in dialogue with Vegan Studies and related contemporary fields of inquiry. Subscribe and stay tuned for more enlightening episodes! *** Guest: Jonathan Dickstein, PhD, Assistant Professor at Arihanta Institute Jonathan Dickstein is Assistant Professor of Jain Studies at Arihanta Institute and Visiting Assistant Professor of Religion at Claremont School of Theology. Jonathan specializes in South Asian Religions, Religion and Animals, and Comparative Ethics. He received his doctoral degree in Religious Studies from the University of California, Santa Barbara and his master’s degree in Religious Studies from the University of Colorado, Boulder. Jonathan has published in a wide array of interdisciplinary journals such as Religions , Philosophy East and West , Food Ethics , and Capitalism Nature Socialism . Jonathan’s current work focuses on Jainism and contemporary ecological issues, extending into Critical Animal Studies, Food Studies, and Diaspora Studies. He is also the academic lead for the Vegan Studies Initiative at Arihanta Institute . Jonathan considers himself a scholar-practitioner, having spent many years not only in libraries but also in public advocating for justice for both humans and nonhumans alike. Host: Cogen Bohanec, MA, PhD, Assistant Professor at Arihanta Institute Cogen Bohanec currently holds the position of Assistant Professor in Sanskrit and Jain Studies at Arihanta Institute where he teaches various courses on Jain philosophy and its applications. In addition, he is a Visiting Assistant Professor at Claremont School of Theology (CST) where he teaches Sanskrit and Gujarati, and he has taught numerous classes on South Asian Culture & Religions and Sanskrit language at the Graduate Theological Union (GTU) in Berkeley. Dr. Bohanec specializes in the Jain and Hindu traditions, comparative dharma traditions, philosophy of religion, theo-ethics (virtue ethics, and environmental and animal ethics in particular), and Sanskrit language and literature, and has numerous publications in those areas, particularly in the fields of Jain and Hindu Studies amongst other disciplines. He has a PhD in “Historical and Cultural Studies of Religion” with an emphasis in Hindu Studies from GTU, where his research emphasized ancient Indian languages, literature, and philosophical systems. He also holds an MA in Buddhist Studies from the Institute of Buddhist Studies at GTU where his research primarily involved translations of Pāli Buddhist scriptures in conversation with the philology of the Hindu Upaniṣads. He is the author of “Bhakti Ethics, Emotions and Love in Gauḍīya Vaiṣṇava Metaethics” (Lexington, 2024), an interdisciplinary study that frames traditional Hindu themes of ecotheology, ecofeminist theology, feminist care ethics, within a framework of virtue ethics in conversation with a bhakti-based psychology of emotions. Currently he is largely engaged in publication and research on various aspects of the Jain tradition, emphasizing translations and analyses of Jain Sanskrit, Prakrit, and Gujarati texts, but is also publishing academic works on various topics within the Hindu tradition. Resources: Subscribe to the Arihanta Institute Newsletter Course 1014 | Jainism, Veganism, and Engaged Religion w/ Profs. Jonathan Dickstein & Christopher Jain Miller Vegan Studies Initiative @ Arihanta Institute | Courses, Speaker Series, Research & More! Voices in Vegan Studies Speaker Series | May - Dec 2024 Arihanta Institute | Ancient Wisdom Modern Living Copyright 2024 Arihanta Institute

In this episode of the Engaged Jain Studies Podcast, join Arihanta Institute Professors Jonathan Dickstein and Christopher Miller for a compelling discussion on their shared passions and professional journeys. Episode Highlights: A Fortuitous Meeting: Listen to the story of how Professors Dickstein and Miller first met at an airport during an academic conference, quickly discovering their mutual interests in yoga, Jainism, South Asian religions, veganism, animal advocacy, and social justice. Redefining the Practitioner: Explore how Dickstein and Miller are reinterpreting the concept of a "practitioner" as someone who actively addresses society's most pressing concerns, aligning with the core values of the Jain tradition. Personal and Professional Values: Learn about how their personal values of compassion and advocacy are deeply intertwined with their academic pursuits and teachings. Course Spotlight: Gain insights into their course "Jainism, Veganism, and Engaged Religion" at Arihanta Institute, where they delve into these topics in greater depth, offering students a comprehensive understanding of the interconnectedness of these fields. Join us for an engaging conversation that highlights the significant role of Jain studies in contemporary issues and showcases the dedication of these scholars to promoting a more just and compassionate world. Listen now to discover how Jain philosophy can inform and inspire modern advocacy and ethical practices. Subscribe and stay tuned for more enlightening episodes! Guest: Jonathan Dickstein, PhD, Assistant Professor at Arihanta Institute Jonathan Dickstein is Assistant Professor of Jain Studies at Arihanta Institute and Visiting Assistant Professor of Religion at Claremont School of Theology. Jonathan specializes in South Asian Religions, Religion and Animals, and Comparative Ethics. He received his doctoral degree in Religious Studies from the University of California, Santa Barbara and his master’s degree in Religious Studies from the University of Colorado, Boulder. Jonathan has published in a wide array of interdisciplinary journals such as Religions , Philosophy East and West , Food Ethics , and Capitalism Nature Socialism . Jonathan’s current work focuses on Jainism and contemporary ecological issues, extending into Critical Animal Studies, Food Studies, and Diaspora Studies. He is also the academic lead for the Vegan Studies Initiative at Arihanta Institute . Jonathan considers himself a scholar-practitioner, having spent many years not only in libraries but also in public advocating for justice for both humans and nonhumans alike. Host: Christopher Miller, PhD, Professor at Arihanta Institute Christopher Jain Miller is the co-founder, Vice President of Academic Affairs, and Professor of Jain and Yoga Studies at Arihanta Institute . He completed his PhD in the study of Religion at the University of California, Davis and is also a Visiting Researcher at the University of Zürich's Asien-Orient-Institut and Visiting Professor at Claremont School of Theology where he co-developed and co-runs a remotely available Masters Degree Program focusing on Engaged Jain Studies . His current research focuses on Engaged Jainism and Modern Yoga, and he is the author of a number of articles and book chapters concerned with Jainism and the practice of modern yoga. Christopher is the author of Embodying Transnational Yoga: Eating, Singing, and Breathing in Transformation (Routledge 2024), as well as co-editor of the volumes Engaged Jainism: Critical and Constructive Approaches to the Study of Jain Social Engagement (SUNY 2025) and Beacons of Dharma: Spiritual Exemplars for the Modern Age (Lexington 2020). Resources: Learn More: Master of Arts - Engaged Jain Studies - Now accepting applications! Scholarships available. Course 1014 | Jainism, Veganism, and Engaged Religion w/ Profs. Jonathan Dickstein & Christopher Jain Miller Vegan Studies Initiative @ Arihanta Institute | Courses, Speaker Series, Research & More! Voices in Vegan Studies Speaker Series | May - Dec 2024 Arihanta Institute | Ancient Wisdom Modern Living Copyright 2024 Arihanta Institute

In the premiere episode of the Engaged Jain Studies Podcast, host and podcast producer Taina Rodriguez-Berardi sits down with Christopher Miller, PhD, co-founder, Vice President of Academic Affairs, and Professor of Jain and Yoga Studies at Arihanta Institute . Together, they delve into the genesis, aims, and aspirations of this groundbreaking podcast. Episode Highlights: Defining Key Terms: Dr. Miller clarifies the practical differences between "engaged," "applied," and "embodied" studies of religion and spirituality, providing listeners with a foundational understanding of these concepts. Dr. Miller’s Unique Journey: From his beginnings as a public accountant to becoming a professor of Engaged Jain Studies and Modern Yoga, Dr. Miller shares his inspiring career transformation. Learn about his path to co-founding an innovative online institution for higher learning. The Podcast’s Vision: Discover the motivations behind the podcast and why it serves as a crucial resource for both Jains and non-Jains, as well as academics and general listeners interested in religious and spiritual studies. Join us as we explore the significant role of Engaged Jain Studies in contemporary discourse and why this podcast is set to become an essential listen for a diverse audience. Listen now to gain insights into the vibrant world of Jain studies and the dynamic intersection of religion, spirituality, and modern academic inquiry. Subscribe and stay tuned for more enlightening episodes! Guest: Christopher Miller, PhD, Professor at Arihanta Institute Christopher Jain Miller is the co-founder, Vice President of Academic Affairs, and Professor of Jain and Yoga Studies at Arihanta Institute . He completed his PhD in the study of Religion at the University of California, Davis and is also a Visiting Researcher at the University of Zürich's Asien-Orient-Institut and Visiting Professor at Claremont School of Theology where he co-developed and co-runs a remotely available Masters Degree Program focusing on Engaged Jain Studies . His current research focuses on Engaged Jainism and Modern Yoga, and he is the author of a number of articles and book chapters concerned with Jainism and the practice of modern yoga. Christopher is the author of Embodying Transnational Yoga: Eating, Singing, and Breathing in Transformation (Routledge 2024), as well as co-editor of the volumes Engaged Jainism: Critical and Constructive Approaches to the Study of Jain Social Engagement (SUNY 2025) and Beacons of Dharma: Spiritual Exemplars for the Modern Age (Lexington 2020). Host: Taina Rodriguez-Berardi, MBA, MA, Arihanta Institute Taina Rodriguez-Berardi (she/her/hers) is a scholar-practitioner of Yoga’s history, philosophy, traditions, and Sanskrit texts. She earned an MA in Yoga Studies from Loyola Marymount University where her research focused on the historical origins, culture, and customs of transnational yoga systems at their intersection with contemporary social justice movements and advocacy communities. Taina has also worked for more than 18-years as a marketing and communications executive in the tech, higher-education, and non-profit sectors, leading large international teams to drive corporate strategy and develop community-first approaches to marketing, public relations, and social media implementation. After earning her Master of Business Administration at San Diego State University, she melds her passion for Dharmic studies with her experience developing business strategy and brand marketing campaigns to mentor and consult with conscious businesses and social entrepreneurs who aspire to bring compassion and wellness to the masses. Resources: Learn More: Master of Arts - Engaged Jain Studies - Now accepting applications! Scholarships available. 40+ Self-paced Online Courses | Jainism, Veganism, Animal Advocacy, Climate Change, Yoga, Professional Ethics, Social Justice Subscribe to the Arihanta Institute Newsletter Arihanta Institute YouTube Channel - For replays of our events, conferences, and Speaker Series, head to the Arihanta Institute Youtube Channel. Arihanta Institute | Ancient Wisdom Modern Living Copyright 2024 Arihanta Institute

Welcome to the Engaged Jain Studies Podcast brought to you by Arihanta Institute. Listen to top figures in the fields of Jain Studies, Religious Studies, Vegan Studies, and Social Justice discuss pressing issues of everyday relevance. Together let’s move beyond the realm of personal spiritual growth and connect philosophy, religion, and spirituality to the important task of caring for the wellbeing of society. Learn about your world and how to change it on the Engaged Jain Studies Podcast Trailer . The Engaged Jain Studies Podcast is brought to you by Arihanta Institute, an IRC 501(c)(3) nonprofit California Corporation. At Arihanta Institute, we bridge ancient wisdom with contemporary living through accessible, self-paced online courses, free events, and a first-of-its kind Master of Arts program in Engaged Jain Studies. Visit ArihantaInstitute.org to learn how our curriculum, spanning Jain philosophy, social justice, veganism, environmental studies, and more, can enrich your understanding of timeless principles in today's context. Jai Jinendra! Copyright 2024 Arihanta Institute