by Prashant Kapadia/NHN
The Second International Conference on Science and Jain Philosophy (ICSJP) was held from March 19-22, 2021. It was a virtual event organized by Florida International University’s Steven J. Green School of International and Public Affairs (FIU) and Jain Education and Research Foundation (JERF). In recognition of the contribution of the Jain community and Jain studies program at FIU, the Mayor of Miami-Dade County declared 19th March 2021 as Jain Studies Program Day. The conference was inaugurated by the Honorable Ambassador of India to the United States, Mr. Taranjit Singh Sandhu He shared his views on how the world would be a better place to live in if one followed the various concepts of Jain philosophy. He also expressed that the youth of today have every reason to be excited about Jain studies and Jain philosophy and that these are subjects of the future. Padmavibhushan Dr. R.A. Mashelkar delivered the Keynote Address and expressed how Indian philosophies, specially Jain philosophies are rich in knowledge and this knowledge should be spread everywhere. The Chief Guest of the Valedictory Function was Dr. Gulab Kothari, Editor-in-Chief of Rajasthan Patrika.
The theme of the conference was consciousness in modern science and Jain philosophy. The event was a great success with the participation of more than 10,000 delegates from 27 countries including USA, UK, India, Tanzania, Canada, Russia viewing it through Zoom and Facebook Live. There were 45 paper presentations, a book launch and panel discussion.
The conference brought spiritual mentors from all 4 Jain traditions on a single platform, a first in an international academic conference. Prof. Munishri Mahendra Kumar ji shared his pearls of wisdom and explained the Jain perspective on Soul, Life, and Consciousness in great depth. He explained the vision behind ICSJP by saying that it was important to conduct scientific research and experiments using Jain concepts and then on the basis of those findings, to impart training in spiritual technology across the globe in order to develop a Wisdom World and create a peaceful world order. Acharya Vijanandighoshsuriji shared scientific facts to support the existence of consciousness in living beings.
Rashtrasant Param Gurudev Shree Namramuni Maharaj Saheb scientifically and spiritually explained consciousness and fetal development. He called the conference a festival of knowledge and said that we should acquaint ourselves with the right vision and wisdom. Acharya Kanaknandiji explained consciousness and blessed the conference.Eminent biologist Dr. Rupert Sheldrake, space scientist Prof. Narendra Bhandari, Jain academicians Prof. Christopher Chapple, Prof. Gary Francione and Prof. Jeffery Long presented their papers. Diverse aspects of consciousness found in Jain philosophy were discussed. The nature of consciousness, its existence in living beings without brains, the proof of its existence in past life regression and importance of practising spiritual technology such as meditation, fasting, penance (pratyakhyana), pratikramana to elevate it were some of the topics discussed. The importance of practising ahimsa came to light through presentations on veganism. Sustainable development and the importance of evolving the concepts of economics was discussed through the concept of relative economics.
The conference was co-sponsored by Federation of Jain Associations of North America (JAINA), Jain Vishva Bharati (Ladnun, Orlando, New Jersey, Houston, and London), Mohini Jain Presidential Chair in Jain Studies at University of California, Davis and Vardhamana Charitable Foundation. Jain Academy of Scholars, Ahmedabad, Spiritual Technology Research Foundation, Mumbai and World Jain Confederation, Mumbai are Knowledge Partners.