New Books Network Christopher Jain Miller and Cogen Bohanec, "Engaged Jainism: Critical and Constructive Studies of Jain Social Engagement" (SUNY Press, 2026)
Jan 8, 2026
Christopher Jain Miller, an academic specializing in Jain and Yoga studies, and Kojin Bohanec, an assistant professor focused on Jain ethics and ecology, dive into the dynamic nature of Engaged Jainism. They discuss how Jain traditions engage with contemporary social issues, fostering religious survival and countering stereotypes. The conversation explores methodologies like emic and etic perspectives, the importance of decolonizing Jain studies, and integrating practitioner voices. They aim to revitalize Jain studies through collaboration and critical engagement.
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Origins And Scope Of Engaged Jain Studies
- Engaged Jain studies grew from a 2023 conference and aims to study how Jain ideas apply to modern issues like ecology, animal rights, and social justice.
- The field blends historical, philosophical, philological, and anthropological methods for public and academic impact.
Democratizing Jain Scholarship
- Arihanta Institute and Claremont offer online programs to democratize Jain studies and host public courses and events.
- Their aim is to bring Jain scholarship into dialogue with contemporary problems and public audiences.
Academic Demand Fuels Engagement
- Academic positions now often expect engaged or community-partnership components, prompting a need to define applied Jain studies methodology.
- Engaged Jain studies responds to institutional and donor-driven shifts in the field.
