Indic Studies with Professor Pankaj Jain, Ph.D.

Join this comprehensive course on Jainism, offered by UGC's SWAYAM and hosted by FLAME University. Designed for learners of all levels, this course offers an accessible and engaging exploration of the philosophy, ethics, history, and practices of Jainism.What you'll learn:Core principles: Ahimsa, Aparigraha, and AnekantavadaLife and teachings of Lord MahaviraJain festivals, rituals, and monastic traditionsApplying Jain philosophy in everyday lifePerfect for students, spiritual seekers, and anyone curious about one of the world's oldest living traditions.Enroll today and start your journey into Jainism!Hashtags:#Jainism #SWAYAM #FLAMEUniversity #IndianPhilosophy #Mahavira #Ahimsa #SpiritualLearning #IntroToJainism #UGCCourse

In this chapter, Lord Krishna reveals the difference between **divine qualities (daivī sampad)** such as fearlessness, compassion, truth, and humility — and **demonic qualities (āsurī sampad)** such as pride, anger, greed, and hypocrisy.

Explore the rich spiritual traditions of Asia!

This episode features the recording of a webinar held on August 20, 2025, hosted by The India Centre at FLAME University, under the UGC–sponsored Nurturing Future Leadership Program.Speaker Prof. Pankaj Jain explores how India's timeless dharmic wisdom—from the symbolic wisdom of Gaṇeśa to the ethical insights of the BhagavaGītātā—offers ten guiding principles for ethical, sustainable, and future-ready leadership.Key Themes Covered:Wisdom, Duty, and Compassion as core leadership valuesInsights from Gaṇeśa and the thGītātā for modern challengesHow dharmic principles foster inclusive, ethical, and resilient leaders

What if the solution to our modern ecological crisis lies in ancient wisdom?Discover how the Sanskrit word 'Dharma' (धर्म) originates from the root 'Dhri' (धृ), meaning "to sustain." Long before "sustainability" became a global buzzword, Vedic philosophy spoke of 'Ritam' (ऋतम्) – the cosmic order maintained through harmony with the universe.From prayers asking Mother Earth for forgiveness to the principles of Ahimsa (अहिंसा) in Jainism and mindfulness in Buddhism, learn how Indian traditions have ingrained a deep reverence for nature for millennia.#Sustainability #Dharma #IndianPhilosophy #VedicWisdom #Ritam #Ecology #MotherEarth #AncientWisdom #Hinduism #Jainism #Buddhism #Shorts#Sustainability #Dharma #IndianPhilosophy #AncientWisdom #Ecology #Vedic #Ritam #MotherEarth#Shorts #YouTubeShorts #Knowledge #DidYouKnow #Spiritual #Environment #Trending#SanatanaDharma #Jainism #Buddhism #Hinduism #Ahimsa #VasudhaivaKutumbakam #Sanskrit #CosmicOrder #ReverenceForNatureJoin this channel to get access to perks:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgyYA6fXrfCcTQsvEyCLTbg/joinProfessor Pankaj Jain, Ph.D.

The webinar featured Professor Michael Hatchet discussing "Prayer in the Periphery" on August 25, 2025. He explored the philosophical challenge of "praying without ceasing" as mentioned in 1 Thessalonians 5:17.Key points covered:The problem: How can one pray continuously when daily tasks require full attention?Professor Hatchet introduced a framework analyzing consciousness as having three parts:He proposed that continuous prayer might be possible through "peripheral listening" - maintaining awareness of God in the margin of consciousness rather than the center or context. This allows one to remain receptive to divine communication while engaged in necessary tasks.The discussion included parallels with Hindu concepts, noting similarities between Christian prayer and bhakti yoga (devotional practices). Professor Jain highlighted how the topic connects to both dualistic perspectives (where God and devotee are separate) and non-dualistic perspectives in Hinduism.The session concluded with reflections on comparative theology between Christianity and Hinduism, acknowledging Christianity's long history in India dating back nearly two millennia.Professor Michael Hatcher earned his Ph.D. in Philosophy from the University of Southern California. He has taught at Valparaiso University in Indiana—literally meaning 'Vale of Paradise'—and now teaches at FLAME University in Pune, also nestled in a scenic valley. His academic journey, therefore, has moved between valleys, both geographical and intellectual, exploring the depths of philosophy and theology. In this webinar, he spoke on a fascinating theme: 'Prayer in the Periphery.' Drawing from philosophical theology and phenomenology, Professor Hatcher will explore the possibility of unceasing prayer as envisioned in 1 Thessalonians 5:17.Interestingly, the name Thessalonica—from which Thessalonians come—means 'Victory of Thessaly' in Greek, with nikē meaning victory. This resonates with the Sanskrit words jaya and vijaya, which also mean victory. Such linguistic resonances remind us of the deep Indo-European heritage shared by Greek and Sanskrit, bridging traditions and contexts much like Professor Hatcher does in his work. Through the lens of contextual and marginal awareness—as articulated by Gurwitsch and Arvidson—he will invite us to reflect on how individuals might attune themselves to the divine voice while navigating the rhythms of everyday life . Valleys are often places of learning and reflection, where depth of thought can flourish. From Valparaiso, the 'Vale of Paradise,' to the valley setting of FLAME University, Professor Hatcher's path has been marked by such spaces of contemplation. In this lecture, he invites us into another kind of valley — the philosophical and theological exploration of unceasing prayer in everyday life.

Did you know that Christians have been a part of Indian cinema since before India's first full-length film was made?

Hindu–Muslim Harmony in Hindi Films #ashortaday #explore #viralvideo #Bollywood #hindumuslim

Eight Indian #Champions at #Wimbledon since 1954 #ashortaday #explore #viralvideo #LeanderPaes #MaheshBhupathi #SaniaMirza #SumitNagal #RamanathanKrishnan #RameshKrishnan #SamirBanerjee #RohanBopanna

Stay tuned for layers.The much-awaited episode 4 of Naturally Musical - a venture Professor Pankaj Jain and Shri Manoj Govindraj have undertaken to share the often simple yet layered thoughts behind eco-friendly songs in Indian films

Reason #3: Spread of Buddhism

Reason #2: Spread of Buddhism Across Asia

Reason #3: Decline of Buddhism in India

Spread of Buddhism Beyond India: Reason #1

Decline of Buddhism #8

Reason #7: Decline of Buddhism in India 7th century CE onwards

Verse 1- From this episode:श्रीभगवानुवाचइदं शरीरं कौन्तेय क्षेत्रमित्यभिधीयते ।एतद्यो वेत्ति तं प्राहु: क्षेत्रज्ञ इति तद्विद: ॥00:00 Introduction & Invocation00:10 verses 1- 708:02 verses 8 - 1419:59 verses 15 - 2129:45 verses 22-2826:08 verse 29- 34Tune in every Sunday for a new episode of the philological and philosophical analysis of the Bhagavad Gita!Texts referenced in the series:1.⁠ ⁠Gītā Rahasya by Lokmanya Tilak2.⁠ ⁠Gītā Discourses by Osho3.⁠ ⁠Gītā Discourses by Rev. Athavale Dadaji4.⁠ ⁠Gītā interpretation by Mahatma Gandhi5.⁠ ⁠Gītā commentary by Adi Shankaracharya6.⁠ ⁠Sargeant Winthrop and Christopher Key Chapple. The Bhagavad Gītā. State University of New York Press 2009.7.⁠ ⁠Goldman Robert P and Sally J Sutherland. Devavāṇīpraveśikā : An Introduction to the Sanskrit Language. 3rd ed. Center for South Asia Studies University of California: 1999. Press, 2009.8.⁠ ⁠The Bhagavad Gītā - Selected Shlokas set to Music (2-CD Set), sung by Ravindra Sathe and team, music by Vanraj Bhatia, album by Music Today, 2009.Gita app based on Sri Aurobindo's commentary:Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=in.org.bhagavadgita&hl=en_US&gl=US&pli=1iPhone: https://apps.apple.com/in/app/bhagavad-gita-sri-aurobindo/id1143882659

Reason #6: Decline of Buddhism in India

Reason #5 - Decline of Buddhism in India from 7th c. CE onwards

Reason #4: Decline of Buddhism in India

Reason #2: Decline of Buddhism from India over 1000 years back

Verse 2 - From this episode:न मे विदु: सुरगणा: प्रभवं न महर्षय: ।अहमादिर्हि देवानां महर्षीणां च सर्वश: ॥Tune in every Sunday for a new episode of the philological and philosophical analysis of the Bhagavad Gita!Texts referenced in the series:1. Gītā Rahasya by Lokmanya Tilak2. Gītā Discourses by Osho3. Gītā Discourses by Rev. Athavale Dadaji4. Gītā interpretation by Mahatma Gandhi5. Gītā commentary by Adi Shankaracharya6. Sargeant Winthrop and Christopher Key Chapple. The Bhagavad Gītā. State University of New York Press 2009.7. Goldman Robert P and Sally J Sutherland. Devavāṇīpraveśikā : An Introduction to the Sanskrit Language. 3rd ed. Center for South Asia Studies University of California: 1999.Press, 2009.8. The Bhagavad Gītā - Selected Shlokas set to Music (2-CD Set), sung by Ravindra Sathe and team, music by Vanraj Bhatia, album by Music Today, 2009.Gita app based on Sri Aurobindo's commentary:Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=in.org.bhagavadgita&hl=en_US&gl=US&pli=1iPhone: https://apps.apple.com/in/app/bhagavad-gita-sri-aurobindo/id1143882659

Verse 1 - From this Chapter:अर्जुन उवाचमदनुग्रहाय परमं गुह्यमध्यात्मसंज्ञितम् ।यत्त्वयोक्तं वचस्तेन मोहोऽयं विगतो मम ॥Tune in every Sunday for a new episode of the philological and philosophical analysis of the Bhagavad Gita!Texts referenced in the series:1. Gītā Rahasya by Lokmanya Tilak2. Gītā Discourses by Osho3. Gītā Discourses by Rev. Athavale Dadaji4. Gītā interpretation by Mahatma Gandhi5. Gītā commentary by Adi Shankaracharya6. Sargeant Winthrop and Christopher Key Chapple. The Bhagavad Gītā. State University of New York Press 2009.7. Goldman Robert P and Sally J Sutherland. Devavāṇīpraveśikā : An Introduction to the Sanskrit Language. 3rd ed. Center for South Asia Studies University of California: 1999.Press, 2009.8. The Bhagavad Gītā - Selected Shlokas set to Music (2-CD Set), sung by Ravindra Sathe and team, music by Vanraj Bhatia, album by Music Today, 2009.Gita app based on Sri Aurobindo's commentary:Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=in.org.bhagavadgita&hl=en_US&gl=US&pli=1iPhone: https://apps.apple.com/in/app/bhagavad-gita-sri-aurobindo/id1143882659

Verse 20 - From this episode:ये तु धर्मामृतमिदं यथोक्तं पर्युपासते ।श्रद्दधाना मत्परमा भक्तास्तेऽतीव मे प्रिया: ॥Tune in every Sunday for a new episode of the philological and philosophical analysis of the Bhagavad Gita!Texts referenced in the series:1. Gītā Rahasya by Lokmanya Tilak2. Gītā Discourses by Osho3. Gītā Discourses by Rev. Athavale Dadaji4. Gītā interpretation by Mahatma Gandhi5. Gītā commentary by Adi Shankaracharya6. Sargeant Winthrop and Christopher Key Chapple. The Bhagavad Gītā. State University of New York Press 2009.7. Goldman Robert P and Sally J Sutherland. Devavāṇīpraveśikā : An Introduction to the Sanskrit Language. 3rd ed. Center for South Asia Studies University of California: 1999.Press, 2009.8. The Bhagavad Gītā - Selected Shlokas set to Music (2-CD Set), sung by Ravindra Sathe and team, music by Vanraj Bhatia, album by Music Today, 2009.Gita app based on Sri Aurobindo's commentary:Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=in.org.bhagavadgita&hl=en_US&gl=US&pli=1iPhone: https://apps.apple.com/in/app/bhagavad-gita-sri-aurobindo/id1143882659

Significance of Namokar Mantra in Jainism

Why Buddhism Vanished from India over 1000 years back: Reason 1

Caste and Varna System in Hindu Society: A Webinar for Indus University

Jainism, often regarded as a renunciatory tradition rooted in nonviolence and monastic life, has profoundly shaped the lives of contemporary women balancing roles as householders, social activists, and ascetics. Prof. Howard will delve into the inspiring stories of these women, highlighting how they are redefining the concept of liberation, championing empowerment, and striving for the upliftment of marginalized communities. Through this discussion, she will provide fresh perspectives on gender and its intersection with contemporary societal challenges.

Jainism's Political Thoughts

Why Kumbh?

Dr. BR Ambedkar is rightly remembered for his role in creating the Indian Constitution and for his outspoken anti-caste views. Less known is how many of his views on hot-button political issues in India today align far more with those of so-called Hindu nationalists than his contemporary supporters would have you believe. In this episode, we speak with Dr Pankaj Jain about the unknown Ambedkar.

Buddhism in 3 Versions

How old is Christianity in India? 2000 years?

Judaism & Jews in India

Lotus Temple, Bahai, and Zoroastrianism in India: Two religions started in Iran, flourishing in India

Join Swami Medhananda, Monk of the Ramakrishna Order, an Academic Philosopher, and Senior Research Fellow in Philosophy at the Vedanta Society of Southern California for a thought-provoking session on "From Religious Pluralism to Religious Cosmopolitanism: Revisiting Sri Ramakrishna & Swami Vivekananda." Explore the profound philosophies of the Bengali mystic Sri Ramakrishna (1836–1886), who taught the timeless dictum, “As many faiths, so many paths.” Ramakrishna upheld that various religions, while different, are equally effective paths to the ultimate goal of experiential knowledge of the Infinite Divine, whether as a personal God, the Buddhist nirvāṇa, or the Advaitic realization of nondual Pure Consciousness. His teachings challenge monolithic views of religious pluralism and affirm the equal value of multiple spiritual goals. Swami Vivekananda, his chief disciple, expanded these ideas into a radical religious cosmopolitanism, advocating the ideal of learning from other religions and fostering multiple religious belongings.

Accomplishments by American Jains to preserve and share Jainism worldwide

Makar Sankranti and its significance

Beatles Connection to Indian Music and Hinduism

Join Prof. B. M. Jain, Former Senior Political Science and International Relations Professor at the University of Rajasthan, Jaipur, for a thought-provoking session on India's Role as a Global Player in a Complex Interdependent World Order: A Critique. Explore India's potential as an emerging global power in shaping a multipolar world order—one that challenges unilateralism and hegemonism. Delve into critical questions about India's role in advancing the Global South, addressing security and strategic challenges, reshaping the UN Security Council, and resolving ethnic and religious conflicts in South Asia. #TheIndiaSeries #IndianKnowledgeSystems #GlobalPolitics #IndiaAsGlobalPlayer #WorldOrder #ForeignPolicy #Geopolitics #KnowledgeExchange

Bardhaman and Birbhum: Bhagwan Mahavir and Jainism in Bengal #jainism

Why was Eklavya asked to sacrifice his Thumb in the Mahabharata?

When Abhinavagupta (fl. c. 975-1025 CE) argues for ‘absolute non-duality' (paramādvaita) as a fundamental principle of everything, what does he mean? This fundamental meta-category subsumes within itself both ‘duality' (dvaita or bheda) and ‘non-duality' (advaita or abheda) in a resolution that, on the surface, appears to be nothing more than an oxymoron. How can two mutually opposing categories be one? However, for Abhinavagupta, both ‘duality' and ‘non-duality' are the basic building blocks of an all-encompassing singular meta-category called ‘absolute non-duality' (paramādvaita). This version of non-duality argues for inclusivism, i.e., for any idea of binary to manifest, someone fundamentally recognises the distinction between, for instance, a ‘pot' (ghaṭaṭ ) and a ‘non-pot' (aghaṭaṭ ) and it is this distinction (dvaita or bheda) that unitarily brings a pot and a non-pot together (advaita or abheda). By saying this, Abhinavagupta is not suggesting that a pot is a non-pot and a non-pot is a pot. But they are singular manifestations in a plural form of and in a singular principle, i.e., non-dual consciousness (advaitasamvit). Using a more contemporary terminology, this form of non-duality may be called ‘pluralistic non-dualism' or ‘subjective pluralism,' understood in the sense that even two mutually opposing labels, such as ‘pluralistic idealism' or ‘idealistic realism', can be used. Bio note: Prof Mrinal Kaul teaches classical Indian Philosophy at the Department of Humanities and Social Sciences in the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IITB), Mumbai. His research focuses on the non-dual Śaiva philosophy, particularly the tenth-century philosopher Abhinavagupta. His recent publications include ‘A Preliminary Note on the Manuscripts of the Tantrāloka-viveka' in Verità e Bellezza-Essays in Honour of Raffaele Torella (Naples, Italy, 2022), ‘Is there a ‘South Asian Poetics'?' In A Cultural Poetics of Bhasha Literatures in Theory and Practice, edited by E.V. Ramakrishnan (Orient Blackswan, Hyderabad, 2024) and ‘Is Reflection Real according to Abhinavagupta? Dynamic Realism versus Naïve Realism? in Journal of Indian Philosophy (Springer) (2024). A volume titled Minor Works of Abhinavagupta, edited with Francesco Sferra, is about to be published from Naples in Italy, and a new edition and translation of the Śivasūtravimarśinī of Kṣeṣ marāja with Ben Williams is in preparation.

Verse 26 - From this episode: पत्रं पुष्पं फलं तोयं यो मे भक्त्य‍ा प्रयच्छति । तदहं भक्त्य‍ुपहृतमश्न‍ामि प्रयतात्मन: ॥ Tune in every Sunday for a new episode of the philological and philosophical analysis of the Bhagavad Gita! Texts referenced in the series: 1. Gītā Rahasya by Lokmanya Tilak 2. Gītā Discourses by Osho 3. Gītā Discourses by Rev. Athavale Dadaji 4. Gītā interpretation by Mahatma Gandhi 5. Gītā commentary by Adi Shankaracharya 6. Sargeant Winthrop and Christopher Key Chapple. The Bhagavad Gītā. State University of New York Press 2009. 7. Goldman Robert P and Sally J Sutherland. Devavāṇīpraveśikā : An Introduction to the Sanskrit Language. 3rd ed. Center for South Asia Studies University of California: 1999. Press, 2009. 8. The Bhagavad Gītā - Selected Shlokas set to Music (2-CD Set), sung by Ravindra Sathe and team, music by Vanraj Bhatia, album by Music Today, 2009. Gita app based on Sri Aurobindo's commentary: Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=in.org.bhagavadgita&hl=en_US&gl=US&pli=1 iPhone: https://apps.apple.com/in/app/bhagavad-gita-sri-aurobindo/id1143882659

Visual Anthropology of Indian Films: Religious Communities and Cultural Traditions in Bollywood and Beyond https://www.routledge.com/Visual-Anthropology-of-Indian-Films-Religious-Communities-and-Cultural-Traditions-in-Bollywood-and-Beyond/Jain/p/book/9781032778280

Varana System in the Bhagavad Gita

Varna System in the Upanishad, Mahabharata, and Manu Smriti

Vedanta Retreat in Portland #ashortaday #explore

Varna System in Most Ancient Indian Texts (Hindu and Jain) #varna #caste

28th India Series webinar by Dr. Shonaleeka Kaul, Professor at the Centre for Historical Studies, Jawaharlal Nehru University, presents "In Defence of Sanskrit: The Many Voices and Visions of a Literature" for the India Centre, FLAME University. Prof. Kaul will challenge misconceptions that associate Sanskrit with narrow obscurantism, highlighting its vast and varied literary repertoire encompassing virtually all knowledge systems and a multiplicity of voices and visions. She will interrogate modern scholarship's tendency to label Sanskrit as elitist and rarefied, moving towards a greater appreciation of its reach and relevance in early India. Don't miss this opportunity to delve into the richness of Sanskrit literature and its significant impact on India's cultural heritage. Join this channel to get access to the perks: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgyYA6fXrfCcTQsvEyCLTbg/join Professor Pankaj Jain, Ph.D.