Applied Jain History, Philosophy, and Ethics
REL ST 126 / PHILOS 117
TUES/THURSDAY 2:00–3:20
Anteater Learning Pavilion 2200
Professor Brianne Donaldson
[email protected]
DESCRIPTION: "Jainism" refers to a small, but globally-influential, Indian tradition. The expansive Jain account of diverse and autonomous life forms, the cultivation of multiple perspectives, its view of karmic responsibility and non-attachment, along with its central emphasis of nonviolence (ahiṃsā) provides an alternate metaphysical foundation from which to evaluate ancient philosophies and engage modern conflicts. We will rely on the methods of history, philosophy, and ethnography to explore Jainism in relation to its contextual development, arguments with (mostly Vedic-Hindu and Buddhist) rivals about what is “real,” and its multiple ethical practices related to food, human-animal-plant relations, war and militarism, tolerance and social pluralism, gender differences and dying well. We will consider the relevance of Jain philosophy, cosmology and ethics to current planetary and social issues and students will have the opportunity to visit a welcoming Jain community in Orange County. Interested students may also complete the UCI Certificate in Jain Studies and Nonviolence.
Student Learning Objectives:
1. Contextualize the development of the Jain community in relation to other rival Indian philosophical views
2. Identify unique terms and concepts in Jain cosmology, philosophy, ethics
3. Activate an ethnographic perspective of the Jain community through a site visit to the Jain Center of Southern California
4. Practice research and writing skills needed to evaluate a possible Jain responses to a contemporary ethical issue through a multi-part quarter-long project.
Cover image: A 15th c. manuscript of the Jain Kalpa-sūtra; this image and text describes Mahāvīra, would would become the 24th Jina, or Jain teacher—giving away all his possessions as he renounces his life a lay householder to follow the mendicant path. (Language: Ardhamāgadhī Prākrit in Devanāgarī script)
1. Contextualize the development of the Jain community in relation to other rival Indian philosophical views
2. Identify unique terms and concepts in Jain cosmology, philosophy, ethics
3. Activate an ethnographic perspective of the Jain community through a site visit to the Jain Center of Southern California
4. Practice research and writing skills needed to evaluate a possible Jain responses to a contemporary ethical issue through a multi-part quarter-long project.
Cover image: A 15th c. manuscript of the Jain Kalpa-sūtra; this image and text describes Mahāvīra, would would become the 24th Jina, or Jain teacher—giving away all his possessions as he renounces his life a lay householder to follow the mendicant path. (Language: Ardhamāgadhī Prākrit in Devanāgarī script)
Opening Recitation: Ṇamōkār Mantra
The fivefold salutation (pañca-namaskāra) of the Ṇamōkāra mantra written is the most recited in Jain devotional practices. It honors the five revered personalities worthy of reverence in the Jain worldview. Jains understand this mantra to offer benefit to those speak it, as well as those who hear it. It functions in various ways: as outward veneration, as protection or hope for success and health, and the cultivation of noble qualities within the Self. The mantra is written in Prākrit, a collection of Middle Indo-Aryan vernacular languages.
Ṇamo arahaṃtāṇaṃ - I honor the Arhats (those illumined Jinas or Tīrthaṅkaras).
Ṇamo siddhāṇaṃ - I honor the siddhas (those who have achieved liberation or mokṣa).
Ṇamo āyariyāṇaṃ - I honor the Ācāryas (Jain ascetic leaders).
Ṇamo uvajjhāyāṇaṃ - I honor the Upādhyāyas (Jain teachers).
Ṇamo loe savva-sāhūṇaṃ - I honor the monks and nuns of the world.
To these five lines, the Mūrtipūjaka subsect of Śvetāmbara Jains add:
Eso pañca ṇamokkāro savva-pāvappaṇāsaṇo
maṃgalāṇaṃ ca savvesiṃ paḍhamaṃ havai maṃgalam
This fivefold salutation destroys bad karma and obstacles. And among all auspicious statements, it is the first and foremost.
I will offer my own varied translation. Find out more about this mantra by reading the entry in our course text by Kristi Wiley, The A to Z of Jainism
The fivefold salutation (pañca-namaskāra) of the Ṇamōkāra mantra written is the most recited in Jain devotional practices. It honors the five revered personalities worthy of reverence in the Jain worldview. Jains understand this mantra to offer benefit to those speak it, as well as those who hear it. It functions in various ways: as outward veneration, as protection or hope for success and health, and the cultivation of noble qualities within the Self. The mantra is written in Prākrit, a collection of Middle Indo-Aryan vernacular languages.
Ṇamo arahaṃtāṇaṃ - I honor the Arhats (those illumined Jinas or Tīrthaṅkaras).
Ṇamo siddhāṇaṃ - I honor the siddhas (those who have achieved liberation or mokṣa).
Ṇamo āyariyāṇaṃ - I honor the Ācāryas (Jain ascetic leaders).
Ṇamo uvajjhāyāṇaṃ - I honor the Upādhyāyas (Jain teachers).
Ṇamo loe savva-sāhūṇaṃ - I honor the monks and nuns of the world.
To these five lines, the Mūrtipūjaka subsect of Śvetāmbara Jains add:
Eso pañca ṇamokkāro savva-pāvappaṇāsaṇo
maṃgalāṇaṃ ca savvesiṃ paḍhamaṃ havai maṃgalam
This fivefold salutation destroys bad karma and obstacles. And among all auspicious statements, it is the first and foremost.
I will offer my own varied translation. Find out more about this mantra by reading the entry in our course text by Kristi Wiley, The A to Z of Jainism
STUDENT VISITING HOURS: COME SEE ME! (Spring 2026)
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Where to find my office: Murray Krieger Hall, Room #223 (Bridge level entrance)
Visiting hours start Thursday, April 9, 2026
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REQUIRED TEXTS
Understanding Jainism by Lawrence A. Babb (free pdf below)
*OTHER INDIVIDUAL READINGS WILL ALSO BE LINKED IN THE SCHEDULE BELOW.
- Publisher: Edinburgh: Dunedin Academic Press (2015)
- ISBN-10 : 1780460325
- ISBN-13 : 978-1780460321
*OTHER INDIVIDUAL READINGS WILL ALSO BE LINKED IN THE SCHEDULE BELOW.
| Babb, Understanding Jainism (full text 2015).pdf |
The A to Z of Jainism (dictionary) by Kristi Wiley
- Publisher: Scarecrow Press (2009)
- ISBN 13 : 9780810868212
- This book is available in digital copy through UCI Langson Library (login on campus or through the VPN to access).
POLICIES
A NOTE ON "RELIGION"
UCI Religious Studies "offers a critical multidisciplinary lens into world religions, global philosophies, history, and cultural expressions that continue to shape the contemporary world." This class will deal with the uncountable concepts, values, phenomena and practices that (possibly) constitute a concept called "religion," as well as secularism, atheism/non-theism, agnosticism, naturalism, existentialism, scientism, and several points between. Citizens who are not fluent in the complexities of the study of religion and its ongoing interpretations will cede that ground to fundamentalisms, religious nationalisms, and the erasure of cultures and practices that can benefit or injure the living world. So we will dig in. Students are encouraged to bring their evolving selves to this class with a spirit of humility and dialogue alongside one another. "Conversion" is not the aim of this class; rather, our collaboration together aims to help you leave a more curious and courageous version of however you entered.
ATTENDANCE POLICY
Attendance will begin the second full week of class, after the drop/add deadline (April. 10, 2025). After this date, all students can miss two classes without penalty. On the third absence, students will receive a one-time 3-point deduction, and an additional 3-point deduction for every absence thereafter. These two days apply to illness, religious observance, travel, out of class events, or any other reason. If you choose to miss two days and then fall ill, those absences still count. // Arriving after 35+ minutes late counts as an absence. // However, if you have an extended illness, extended family emergency, or extended immigration-related issue, please contact me as soon as you are able to and we will discuss a plan going forward. Please note that proactive communication is required for all of the above; waiting until the end of the quarter will not override missed classes. // Also, if something has kept you from reading or feeling prepared for class, please still come. You can always “pass” in discussion. So long as this is not a regular occurrence, your engaged presence will still benefit you, your peers, and our collective work.
ADD/DROP DEADLINES
Students may DROP or ADD a course through 5:00 p.m. on Friday of the second full week of classes (April 10, 2026). See the policy here.
LATE WORK POLICY
The late policy will begin after the drop/add deadline of October 10, 2025. There is a one-hour grace period on all assignments, except online quizzes, which must be completed by class time. After the drop/add deadline, late assignments (after the one-hour grace period) of up to 40 points will receive a one-time 2-point deduction; late assignments over 40 points will receive a one-time 4-point deduction. All work is due by the last day of the final exam.
TECHNOLOGY IN THE CLASSROOM
Disciplined use of devices for note taking or looking up information relevant to an immediate discussion in class is welcome. Checking out cat memes, doom scrolling, texting, and personal email, while tempting, is not. Various studies link social media to negative thought patterns and varied symptoms of addiction; Other studies report that even short breaks from social media improve well-being. Moreover, it is evident to everyone when a colleague is checked out of class and into their device, and it lessens what the class can be as a whole. I prefer to leave this disciplined restraint to you, but will address it myself if needed. I will do my best to facilitate an active learning environment whenever possible.
UCI Religious Studies "offers a critical multidisciplinary lens into world religions, global philosophies, history, and cultural expressions that continue to shape the contemporary world." This class will deal with the uncountable concepts, values, phenomena and practices that (possibly) constitute a concept called "religion," as well as secularism, atheism/non-theism, agnosticism, naturalism, existentialism, scientism, and several points between. Citizens who are not fluent in the complexities of the study of religion and its ongoing interpretations will cede that ground to fundamentalisms, religious nationalisms, and the erasure of cultures and practices that can benefit or injure the living world. So we will dig in. Students are encouraged to bring their evolving selves to this class with a spirit of humility and dialogue alongside one another. "Conversion" is not the aim of this class; rather, our collaboration together aims to help you leave a more curious and courageous version of however you entered.
ATTENDANCE POLICY
Attendance will begin the second full week of class, after the drop/add deadline (April. 10, 2025). After this date, all students can miss two classes without penalty. On the third absence, students will receive a one-time 3-point deduction, and an additional 3-point deduction for every absence thereafter. These two days apply to illness, religious observance, travel, out of class events, or any other reason. If you choose to miss two days and then fall ill, those absences still count. // Arriving after 35+ minutes late counts as an absence. // However, if you have an extended illness, extended family emergency, or extended immigration-related issue, please contact me as soon as you are able to and we will discuss a plan going forward. Please note that proactive communication is required for all of the above; waiting until the end of the quarter will not override missed classes. // Also, if something has kept you from reading or feeling prepared for class, please still come. You can always “pass” in discussion. So long as this is not a regular occurrence, your engaged presence will still benefit you, your peers, and our collective work.
ADD/DROP DEADLINES
Students may DROP or ADD a course through 5:00 p.m. on Friday of the second full week of classes (April 10, 2026). See the policy here.
LATE WORK POLICY
The late policy will begin after the drop/add deadline of October 10, 2025. There is a one-hour grace period on all assignments, except online quizzes, which must be completed by class time. After the drop/add deadline, late assignments (after the one-hour grace period) of up to 40 points will receive a one-time 2-point deduction; late assignments over 40 points will receive a one-time 4-point deduction. All work is due by the last day of the final exam.
TECHNOLOGY IN THE CLASSROOM
Disciplined use of devices for note taking or looking up information relevant to an immediate discussion in class is welcome. Checking out cat memes, doom scrolling, texting, and personal email, while tempting, is not. Various studies link social media to negative thought patterns and varied symptoms of addiction; Other studies report that even short breaks from social media improve well-being. Moreover, it is evident to everyone when a colleague is checked out of class and into their device, and it lessens what the class can be as a whole. I prefer to leave this disciplined restraint to you, but will address it myself if needed. I will do my best to facilitate an active learning environment whenever possible.
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ACADEMIC DISHONESTY AND PLAGIARISM
We are here to do the hard work of learning together. Academic dishonesty erodes this goal and your own self confidence. It is also a serious academic offense that can result in failing a paper, failing the class, and academic dismissal from the university. Please see the UCI Policies on Academic Honesty. It is your responsibility to read and understand these policies. A.I. USE My experience is that AI is like binge watching a reality show; it can satisfy certain cravings for a time but ultimately leaves one longing to participate directly in creative life. Each student will be required to include a short paragraph (3-5 sentences) on each submitted assignment as to if/how you used AI for your assignments, along with its helps and hindrances, if applicable. |
DISABILITY ACCOMMODATIONS
All of us have different abilities, strengths, and challenges with learning. Students who believe they may need accommodations to succeed in this class are encouraged to register online with the Disability Services Center (or call 949-824-7494) as soon as possible to ensure that such accommodations are implemented in a timely fashion. This can include priority test-taking, seating preference, transportation, document conversion, among many other possible accommodations. Also, please feel free to meet with me to discuss any ways I can make any aspect of the classroom, materials, or assignments more accessible.
All of us have different abilities, strengths, and challenges with learning. Students who believe they may need accommodations to succeed in this class are encouraged to register online with the Disability Services Center (or call 949-824-7494) as soon as possible to ensure that such accommodations are implemented in a timely fashion. This can include priority test-taking, seating preference, transportation, document conversion, among many other possible accommodations. Also, please feel free to meet with me to discuss any ways I can make any aspect of the classroom, materials, or assignments more accessible.
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FOOD AND HOUSING INSECURITY
Any student who has difficulty affording groceries or accessing sufficient food to eat every day, or who lacks a safe and stable place to live, and believes this may affect their performance in the course, is urged to contact the UCI BASIC NEEDS CENTER at [email protected] / 949-824-0607. Also, please notify me if you'd like to so we can seek out other relevant resources. UCI MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELING AND RELATIONSHIP VIOLENCE PHONE LINES (24-HRS/DAY) UCI has several free resources and services to support well-being and safety. Click here / (949) 824-7273 / [email protected]. |
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FIRST GENERATION SUPPORT!
Check out the School of Humanities' first-generation services here, including incoming seminar, peer mentor program, and more.
KNOW YOUR CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS FOR ALL
Flyer and wallet cut-out can be found here. U.S. Constitution here.
LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION
I do write letters of recommendations for students if I feel I can offer a knowledgeable and positive account of an applicant. Because programs requesting such letters are seeking input from someone who has known applicants for a significant duration and depth, I only consider writing for students who I have had in at least two classes (or one class and another substantive manner such as thesis) and who I can genuinely speak to their work quality, attendance, collegiality, clarity, curiosity, and likely success in future programs. Letters require a back and forth with me so please allow ample time for consideration and completion.
Check out the School of Humanities' first-generation services here, including incoming seminar, peer mentor program, and more.
KNOW YOUR CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS FOR ALL
Flyer and wallet cut-out can be found here. U.S. Constitution here.
LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION
I do write letters of recommendations for students if I feel I can offer a knowledgeable and positive account of an applicant. Because programs requesting such letters are seeking input from someone who has known applicants for a significant duration and depth, I only consider writing for students who I have had in at least two classes (or one class and another substantive manner such as thesis) and who I can genuinely speak to their work quality, attendance, collegiality, clarity, curiosity, and likely success in future programs. Letters require a back and forth with me so please allow ample time for consideration and completion.
ASSIGNMENTS AND GRADING
ASSIGNMENT & GRADING VALUES (315 points total are available in the course)
1. Participation A: Attendance
2. Participation B: Pre-class quizzes (10pts each; best 7 of 8 count; 70 pts total) [22%]
3. Three Discussion Thread Reflections (20 points each; 60pts total) [20%]
4. Quarter-long Final Project (6 parts; 185pts total) [58%]
1. Participation A: Attendance
2. Participation B: Pre-class quizzes (10pts each; best 7 of 8 count; 70 pts total) [22%]
3. Three Discussion Thread Reflections (20 points each; 60pts total) [20%]
4. Quarter-long Final Project (6 parts; 185pts total) [58%]
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ASSIGNMENT TRACKER
You will have readings to do for each session; beyond that, here is a chart of due dates for those are more visual. 
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ASSIGNMENT DESCRIPTIONS
1. Participation A: Attendance As stated above, attendance will begin the second full week of class, after the drop/add deadline (April. 10, 2026). After this date, all students can miss two classes without penalty. On the third absence, students will receive a one-time 3-point deduction, and an additional 3-point deduction for every absence thereafter. If you have an extended illness, extended family emergency, or extended immigration-related issue, please contact me as soon as you are able to and we will discuss a plan going forward. *Also, if something has kept you from reading or feeling prepared for class, please still come. You can always “pass” in discussion. So long as this is not a regular occurrence, your engaged presence will still benefit you, your peers, and our collective work. 2. Participation B: Pre-class quizzes weeks 1b-5a (8 total; best 7 of 8 will count; 10 points each; 70 points total) Before each class in weeks 1b–5a, you will take and submit a 10-point reading/concept quiz (open book; 20 minute limit) prior to coming to class through Canvas. These will include terms key terms, historical contexts, and ideas. I will count the 7 highest scores; you can take all 8 quizzes if you like, or skip one, as you wish. NOTE: the quizzes will open on Canvas 24 hours prior to class and close at class time (2pm). Quizzes must be done by class time. After the drop/add period late quizzes will not count as we go over that day's content in class; see late work policies. |
3. Three Discussion Threads (each is listed below in the syllabus and we will go over in class) 3 @ 20pts each; 60 points total)
3. Quarter-long Final Project: Create Your Own Video Research Summary: Aspects of Jain Responses to a Contemporary Issue (6 parts; 185pts total; Rubrics will be provided for each part in Canvas).
If you are interested in developing a paper instead of a video summary in order to submit to Samyak: An Undergraduate Journal of Jain Studies, let me know by the time you submit Part 2.
UCI Canvas grading guide
A+ 100–96.5
A 96.5–93.5
A- 93.5–90
B+ 90–86.5
B. 86.5–83.5
B- 83.5–80
C+ 80–76.5
C 76.5–73.5
C- 73.5–70
D+ 70–66.5
D 66.5–63.5
D- 63.5–60
F 60–0
- THREAD 1; due 6b (Reflection on your restraint, 3 paragraphs, 250-300 words; 20pts)
- In Quiz 7 (session 4b), you will choose a restraint to practice and reflect on by session 6b. Choose any mendicant or lay restraint that we have heard about so far in this class (or that you may just create) that dials down your activities of mind, body, or speech for a set duration of time. You can define the restraint and the duration in any way you want. For example, since Jains are compulsory vegetarians due to seeing jīva in all life, you may want to fast from eating meat, milk, or eggs for a weekend, or give up speaking for X hours, spending money or using your phone for a day, etc. You may choose to limit your traveling distance for a week so as to increase you awareness/reduce your harm of other life forms, eat X meals with non-attachment, walk, sit, or lay down with carefulness—aware of the life forms around you, avoid exposure to violent or high-emotion media, or any other restraint/duration you choose.
- In Thread 1, you will craft a reflection on your experience: restate your intended restraint and duration from Quiz 7 that you put into practice (10%). Were you able to fulfill your intention and what challenges did you experience? (10%) As you reflected on the experience during and afterwards, try to identify at least three specific claims, terms, or features of the Jaina tradition using course sources that were illuminated differently through your embodied action (60%). How does embodied practice contribute to your evolving understanding of Jaina philosophy and religion? (20%).
- THREAD 2; due 7b (Reflection on Dr. Bhogal's Public Talk; 3 paragraphs, approx 250-300 words; 20pts) Choose one of the below questions to answer in relations to the public talk by Dr. Balbinder Bhogal (May 12, 4-6pm, HIB 135; this will also be recorded so if you cannot make it, you can watch on video. But I really recommend you come in person; there will be food and Dr. Bhogal is a remarkable scholar who will also be meeting with students from 6-7pm)
- Option 1: How do South Asian traditions challenge the (Western) claim that reason is the highest human capacity? Be as specific as possible in reference to Dr. Bhogal's lecture while also connecting to any course content for specific terms/concepts, or examples explored this quarter.
- Option 2: How might South Asian traditions blur the boundary between human and animal life in unexpected ways that shape your view of what philosophy/ethics/religion is or does? For this question, please put Dr. Bhogal's talk into dialog with claims from Brianne Donaldson's chapter "Jainism, Solidarity and Animals" and/or other chapters, including specific terms/concepts, explored this quarter.
- Option 3: Wild card: Make your burning creative connection beyond the above two questions. Only choose this option if you feel you have a strong and clear connection between Dr. Bhogal's talk with clear reference to previous course terms/concepts explored this quarter.
- THREAD 3; due TBD based on visit to Jain Center of Southern California (3 paragraphs, approx. 250-300; 20pts): Choose 1-2 aspects of our visit to the Jain Center activated your interest in a new way and connect it to our course readings through specific terms/definitions, concepts, and arguments. This could be an image, ritual, description, activity, question, etc. that stands out to you. Each paragraph should blend the temple visit with specific course concepts (70%). How does physically visiting a community or place complicate and/or enrich the academic study of the Jaina tradition? (30%)
3. Quarter-long Final Project: Create Your Own Video Research Summary: Aspects of Jain Responses to a Contemporary Issue (6 parts; 185pts total; Rubrics will be provided for each part in Canvas).
If you are interested in developing a paper instead of a video summary in order to submit to Samyak: An Undergraduate Journal of Jain Studies, let me know by the time you submit Part 2.
- Part 1: Identify your top two contemporary social-ethical issues from suggestive list and briefly describe your interest (0pts)
- Part 2: Describe your chosen issue with 3 sources, formatted using the Chicago Manual of Style (20pts)
- Part 3: Complete the Bibliography Worksheet and Research Charts for 6 Jain secondary sources that address your issue (course sources can be included) (40pts)
- Part 4: Drawing upon the research charts completed in Worksheet 3, fill out the Aspects of a Jain Response to Contemporary Issue Worksheet (60pts)
- Part 5/Powerpoint Video: create and upload a 3-4 minute powerpoint video summary of Aspects of a Jain Response to your issue, integrating content form your Worksheet 4 (40pts)
- Part 6/Final Exam: For your final, watch at least 4 different videos created by your peers on a single contemporary issue (other than the one you chose). Provide a commentary in the Discussion forum using the rubric on Worksheet 6 (25pts)
UCI Canvas grading guide
A+ 100–96.5
A 96.5–93.5
A- 93.5–90
B+ 90–86.5
B. 86.5–83.5
B- 83.5–80
C+ 80–76.5
C 76.5–73.5
C- 73.5–70
D+ 70–66.5
D 66.5–63.5
D- 63.5–60
F 60–0
FINAL PROJECT WORKSHEETS
Worksheets for the Final Project will be available for download here; each includes its own instructions.
Final Project Part 1 Worksheet (Choose your issue): Upload by Session 2b
| Final Project, Part 1 Worksheet (Applied Jain Hist Phil Ethics).sp26.docx |
Final Project, Part 2 Worksheet (Define/summarize you issue with sources): Upload by Session 5b
| Final Project, Part 2 Worksheet (Applied Jain Hist Phil Ethics).Sp26.docx |
Worksheet 3 (coming soon)
Worksheet 4–6 (coming soon)
RESEARCH RESOURCES
Research Charts: Students will be creating "research charts" for portions of the final project worth the most points; I'll go over these during Week 2 and encourage you to build this research skill early by using them on readings throughout the quarter which will build your confidence in a significant way.
| Syllabus Research Chart Sample.pdf |
WEEKLY SCHEDULE (and tips for class preparation)
TIPS FOR CLASS PREPARATION:
- Starting 1b, you will be assigned to read approx. 12-20 pages per session
- Encouragement for confusion
- If you find yourself confused at times, you're doing it right! It is challenging to enter alternate realms of narrative, history, language and meaning. Press on! You don't have to master every idea or concept to keep going. Ideas will come cumulatively over time and feeling a little lost or unclear is part of the process of learning something new, especially regarding a different culture. Feel free to raise questions in class, send me a message, chat with each other or let's meet if you want to gain clarity.
- Trouble following a reading or Short on time? Start a Research Chart (see above in "Research" section). Even if you can't complete the whole thing, doing even a bit will strenghten your footing and help you prepare your final project, such as:
- Note title and author; or learn something about the author or organization providing the source
- What kind of source is this, according to The Chicago Manual of Style quick guide (see link in "Research" above)?
- Identify 1-2 main point/s that will be covered
- What are 1-2 key terms and definitions we should know?
- Reading the opening/closing paragraph and section headings can give you a good deal of information.
- A rare "pass" in class is perfectly acceptable so long as it does not happen regularly
Part I: JAIN HISTORY, PHILOSOPHY, ETHICS (Daily quizzes through 5a)
Week 1
1a Tuesday, March 31
Introduction into "Jainism" versus "Jains"
Read before class if possible
Introduction into "Jainism" versus "Jains"
Read before class if possible
- Lawrence A. Babb, Understanding Jainism (Edinburgh, Scotland: Dunedin, 2015)
- Romanisation and Pronunciation (p. ix–x) *please glance at this and we'll read it for Thursday
- Introduction (p. xiii–xv; pdf below).
- John E. Cort, "Models of and for the Study of the Jains" (pdf below: p.42-44 only)
- Nothing beyond the above
- Ensure you are getting Wiley's text; if someone was able to find this for free, please let me know
| Cort, Models of and for the Jains.pdf |
1b Thursday, April 2
Jain "Universal History" and Modern History
Jain "Universal History" and Modern History
- Babb, Understanding Jainism
- Romanisation and Pronunciation (p. ix–x; reread as needed)
- Ch 1, "Charter" (p. 1–6)
- Ch 2, "In History" (p. 7–16; stop at section "Mahāvīra's Mission")
- In class: Review Final Project (Can be found under "Assignments/Grading" section above) and Discussion Thread 1
- Complete Pre-class Reading Quiz 1 Prior to Class on Canvas
Week 2
2a Tuesday, April 7
Mahāvīra & the Four-fold Community
Mahāvīra & the Four-fold Community
- Babb, Understanding Jainism
- Ch 2, p. 16–29 (stop at section "Digambara South"), and 38-40
- Wiley, "Digambara" and "Śvetāmbara" and "Jīva"
- Primary source: Kunda-Kunda (Digambara monk-philosopher), Samaya-sāra ("Nature of the Self), Ch 1-4 (pdf below; verses marked and annotated)
- In class: go over (1) Final Project, Part 1 Worksheet
- Complete Pre-class Reading Quiz 2 Prior to Class on Canvas
| Kunda-Kunda, Samaya-sāra, Ch 1 & 4 (annotated).pdf |
2b Thursday, April 9
Metaphysics/Philosophy: The Goal and Path Liberation
Metaphysics/Philosophy: The Goal and Path Liberation
- Babb, Understanding Jainism
- Ch 3, "Liberation's Roadmap" (p. 41–52)
- Wiley, "Karma"
- Watch: Why Snakes in Snakes and Ladders? The Sacred Snakes of Ancient India (14 min; feel free to speed up as you like)
- In class: go over Research Charts
- Complete Pre-class Reading Quiz 3 Prior to Class on Canvas
- Upload Final Project, Part 1 Worksheet (Final Project details can be found in "Assignments/Grading" section above)
Week 3
3a Tuesday, April 14
Metaphysics/Cosmology: A Universe of Multispecies Rebirth
Babb, Understanding Jainism
Assignments:
Metaphysics/Cosmology: A Universe of Multispecies Rebirth
Babb, Understanding Jainism
- Ch 6, "A Moral Cosmos" (p. 105–128; stop at section "Time and space"); pay special attention to section "The Worlf of Life" and following
- Wiley, "Loka-Ākāśa"; also, choose one other term in bold in this definition to look up that you will share in class
- Primary source: Ācārāṅga-sūtra ("Limb of conduct-sūtra"; pdf below), Ch 1
Assignments:
- Complete Pre-class Reading Quiz 4 Prior to Class on Canvas
| Ācārāṅga-sūtra, Ch 1 excerpt (annotated).pdf |
3b Thursday, April 16
Mendicant Path
Assignments:
Mendicant Path
- Babb, Understanding Jainism
- Ch 4, "Strivers" (p. 53–70; stop at section "Venerating mendicants of the past")
Assignments:
- Complete Pre-class Reading Quiz 5 Prior to Class on Canvas
Week 4
4a Tuesday, April 21
Layperson Path 1
Layperson Path 1
- Babb, Understanding Jainism
- Ch 5, "Supporters" (p. 74–92; stop at section "The Tīrthaṅkara in ritual culture")
- Wiley, "Mendicant" and "Mahāvrata" and
- BD: Revisit: Primary source: Tattvārtha-sūtra ("That Which Exists-sūtra"; pdf below), Ch 1-2, or 7
- Complete Pre-class Reading Quiz 6 Prior to Class on Canvas
| Tattvārtha-sūtra, Ch 1–2 (annotated).pdf |
| Tattvārtha-sūtra, Ch 7 (annotated).pdf |
4b Thursday, April 23
The Layperson Path 2
The Layperson Path 2
- Babb, Understanding Jainism
- Ch 5, "Supporters" (p. 92–104; start at section "The Tīrthaṅkara in ritual culture")
- Wiley, "Layperson" and "Aṇuvratas"
- Complete Pre-class Reading Quiz 7 Prior to Class on Canvas (Important! As part of this quiz, you will choose/describe a restraint to practice for a future reflection; if you opt to skip this quiz, ensure you at least do this question)
Week 5
5a Tuesday, April 28: Visit Dr. Jeffery Long Visits
Many-sided Knowing in Jaina Logic
Many-sided Knowing in Jaina Logic
- Reading: Wm. Andrew Schwartz, "Anekāntavāda (Jainism)" (pdf below)
- Reading: Wiley, "Anekānta-vāda" (you're welcome to look up the other terms of Jain logic noted in Schwartz)
- Complete Pre-class Reading Quiz 8 Prior to Class on Canvas; (Important! As part of this quiz, you will create a question for Dr. Jeffery Long related to the Jain logical trio of anekānta-vāda, naya-vāda, and syād-vāda as described in Schwartz and Wiley; if you opt to skip this quiz, ensure you at least do this question)
- Note: the best questions (1) reflect a claim/s that you have carefully tried to understand in the text and (2) builds a question/connection from that claim/s.
| Schwartz, Anekānta-vāda.pdf |
Part II: APPLICATIONS OF JAIN PHILOSOPHY (Quizzes stop / revisit research charts)
5b Thursday, April 30
Tolerance and Pluralism
Tolerance and Pluralism
- Watch: Metaethics: Crash Course Philosophy #32
- Reading: Anne Vallely, "Anekānta, Ahiṃsā, and the Question of Pluralism" (pdf below)
- Upload Final Project, Part 2 Worksheet due
| Vallely, Anekānta, Ahiṃsā, Pluralism.pdf |
6a Tuesday, May 5
Ecology, Climate, and Animals
Watch: 5 Human Impacts on the Environment: Crash Course Ecology #10
Ecology, Climate, and Animals
Watch: 5 Human Impacts on the Environment: Crash Course Ecology #10
- Reading: "Jain Declaration on Nature;" read here.
- Reading: John Cort, "Green Jainism? Notes and Queries toward a Possible Jain Environmental Ethic" (pdf below)
- In class: go over Research Charts
- Nothing due; work on Final project, Part 3 Worksheet
| Cort, Green Jainism.pdf |
6b Thursday, May 7
Ecology, Climate, and Animals
Ecology, Climate, and Animals
- Reading: Anne Vallely, "From Liberation to Ecology: Ethical Discourses among Orthodox and Diaspora Jains" (pdf below)
- Reading: "Jain Declaration on the Climate Crisis" here.
- Upload Discussion Thread 1
Week 7
7a Tuesday, May 12
Ecology, Climate, and Animals
In addition to our class today, one 10-point discussion thread will be based on the below public talk
Dr. Balbinder Singh Bhogal Public Talk "De-ontologizing Thinking by integrating the Animal Body with the Mystic Mind" (4-6pm HIB 135; also available on video the next day for those who truly cannot attend; but do come for food and direct conversation with a remarkable scholar)
Ecology, Climate, and Animals
In addition to our class today, one 10-point discussion thread will be based on the below public talk
Dr. Balbinder Singh Bhogal Public Talk "De-ontologizing Thinking by integrating the Animal Body with the Mystic Mind" (4-6pm HIB 135; also available on video the next day for those who truly cannot attend; but do come for food and direct conversation with a remarkable scholar)
- Watch: Non-Human Animals: Crash Course Philosophy #42
- Reading: Brianne Donaldson, "Jainism, Solidarity, and Animals" (pdf below) / This reading will have some overlap with Dr. Bhogal's talk
- Nothing due; prep Disc. Thread 2 (due Friday) with Dr. Bhogal's talk and recent readings
| Donaldson, Jainism, Solidarity, & Animals (2024).pdf |
7b Thursday, May 14 NO CLASS TODAY (TO OFFSET TRIP TO JAIN CENTER)
NO CLASS
Assignments
NO CLASS
Assignments
- Upload Discussion Thread 2 by Friday 11:59pm
Week 8
8a Tuesday, May 19
War and Militarism
War and Militarism
- Watch: War & Human Nature: Crash Course World History 204
- Reading: Padmanabh S. Jaini, "Ahiṃsā and 'Just War' in Jainism (pdf below)
- Upload Final Project Part 3 Worksheet
| Jaini, Ahiṃsā and Just War.pdf |
8b Thursday, May 21
War and Militarism
War and Militarism
- Reading: Paul Dundas, "The Non-violence of Violence: Jain Perspectives of Warfare, Asceticism, and Worship" (only p. 40–47; pdf below)
| Dundas, The Non-violence of Violence (annotated).pdf |
Week 9
9a Tuesday, May 26
Jainism and Gender
Jainism and Gender
- Watch: Theories of Gender: Crash Course Sociology #33
- Reading: Manisha Sethi: "Chastity and Desire: Representing Women in Jainism" (pdf below)
- *Possibly Upload Discussion Thread 3 (depending on Jain Center Visit)
| Sethi, Chastity & Desire.pdf |
9b Tuesday, May 28
Jainism and Gender
Jainism and Gender
- Reading: Leonard Zwilling and Michael J. Sweet, "'Like a City Ablaze': The Third Sex and the Creation of Sexuality in Jain Religious Literature" (required pages are marked in the pdf below)
| Zwilling & Sweet, Like a City Ablaze.annotated.pdf |
Week 10
| Jaini, Sallekhana, Holy Death.pdf |
10a Tuesday, June 2
Jainism and "Right to Die"?
Jainism and "Right to Die"?
- Watch: Assisted Death & the Value of Life: Crash Course Philosophy
- Read: Padmanabh S. Jaini, excerpt from book The Jaina Path of Purification, p. 227–33, start with section heading "Sallekhāna: The Holy Death" (pdf below)
- Upload Final Project Part 4 Worksheet
10b Thursday, June 4
Jainism and "Right to Die"?
#45 Listen: NPR, "Fasting To The Death: Is It A Religious Rite Or Suicide?" (5 min.)
Jainism and "Right to Die"?
#45 Listen: NPR, "Fasting To The Death: Is It A Religious Rite Or Suicide?" (5 min.)
- Read: Whitny Braun, "Sallekhana: The Ethicality and Legality of Religious Suicide by Starvation in the Jain Religious Community." (pdf below)
- Complete Worksheet 5 and Upload Prior to Class on Canvas (Worksheets can be found under Assignments/Grading above)
- Extra Credit Worksheet due by class time (optional) (Worksheets can be found under Assignments/Grading above)
- Please complete your UCI class evaluation (if 75% of students complete, all students will get 2 points extra credit)
| Braun, Sallekhana.pdf |
Week 11 Final Exam Week
XXX
Upload Final Project Part 5 & Complete Part 6 (bottom of syllabus "Assignments/Grading" above) by watching X of your colleagues' videos and offering a commentary on 3 of those of your choosing. See Worksheet 6 for the guiding questions and grading rubric.
Upload Final Project Part 5 & Complete Part 6 (bottom of syllabus "Assignments/Grading" above) by watching X of your colleagues' videos and offering a commentary on 3 of those of your choosing. See Worksheet 6 for the guiding questions and grading rubric.