Jainism: Research Highlights and Future Outlook

Motivation and Intuition

Understanding a tradition as rich and multifaceted as Jainism benefits from diverse perspectives. While my own understanding is rooted in personal experience, this post aims to explore how Jainism is being examined and interpreted through the lens of global academic inquiry. By surveying the current research landscape, aim is to uncover the level of scholarly involvement, recent publication trends, and the central questions being addressed by researchers around the world.

Methodology and Keywords

1. Preliminary search on keyword "Jainism", using Google Scholarly and filtering articles since 2025

Key Highlights

Jainism’s holistic philosophy challenges anthropocentric sustainability by promoting reverence for nature and justice for all beings, offering a comprehensive framework for sustainable thinking and practice. [ref.1]

Mayilai Seeni Venkatasamy’s Buddhism and Tamil explores the profound historical influence of Buddhism on Tamil culture, challenging dominant narratives and highlighting its role in shaping Tamil language, literature, and ethics. [ref.2]

​P.C. Jain’s Jains in India and Abroad: A Sociological Introduction offers a comprehensive analysis of the Jain community's demographic, social, and cultural characteristics both within India and globally, highlighting their high literacy rates, economic contributions, and the evolving dynamics of the Jain diaspora. [ref.3]

​M.S. Dhiraj’s Jainism Under the Perumals of Kerala explores the historical presence and influence of Jainism in Kerala during the rule of the Perumal dynasty, utilizing inscriptional and archaeological evidence to highlight the religion's integration into the region's sociopolitical and cultural fabric. [ref.4]

Haribhadra’s Yogadṛṣṭisaṃuccaya offers an eighth-century Jain perspective on yoga, emphasizing spiritual acts as pathways to liberation and outlining unique yogic practices for seekers. [ref.5]

Integrating Jainism and Buddhism into life skills education emphasizes ethical practices, mindfulness, and personal growth to foster moral conduct, emotional resilience, and practical decision-making for a balanced and fulfilling life. [ref.6]

Insights

1. Interdisciplinary Engagement: Current research on Jainism reveals its integration across various disciplines, such as sustainability, sociology, history, and education. This diversity highlights Jainism's adaptability and relevance to contemporary global issues.
2. Sustainability and Ethics: Jainism's emphasis on non-violence, non-possessiveness, and ecological harmony offers a counterpoint to anthropocentric sustainability models, promoting an inclusive framework that balances human needs with environmental justice.
3. Cultural and Historical Influence: Studies like those on Jainism in Tamil Nadu and Kerala illuminate its historical influence on regional cultures, languages, and societal structures. These findings challenge monolithic religious narratives and enrich our understanding of India's pluralistic heritage.
4. Sociological Perspectives: The Jain diaspora's contributions to education, economy, and cultural preservation underscore the community's global impact and evolving identity, making it a fascinating case for sociological analysis.
5. Philosophical Depth: Texts like Yogadṛṣṭisaṃuccaya demonstrate Jainism’s profound philosophical insights, showcasing its unique contributions to yoga and spiritual practices that transcend mere physical or meditative dimensions.
6. Life Skills Education: Integrating Jain and Buddhist principles into modern education highlights their practical applications in fostering emotional resilience, ethical decision-making, and mindfulness—skills critical for addressing today's complex challenges.

Conclusion

The scholarly exploration of Jainism continues to uncover its multifaceted contributions to ethics, culture, history, and education. By situating Jain principles within global contexts, researchers provide fresh insights into its enduring relevance and capacity to address contemporary issues. This synthesis of traditional wisdom with modern challenges exemplifies how ancient philosophies can inspire innovative solutions for a sustainable and equitable future.

References

1. Rajan. (2025). Essential Unity of Jainism and Sustainability: A Holistic Philosophy to Humanistic and Ecological Crisis. Journal of Human Values, 31(1), 61-84. Retrieved 2025, April 19 from https://doi.org/10.1177/09716858241301302
2. Venkatasamy, M. S., Thillainayagam, S., Pazhani, A., & Udhayaraj, G. (2025). Buddhism and Tamil. Retrieved 2025, April 19 from https://doi.org/10.4324/9781003387992
3. Jain, P. C. (2025). Jains in India and abroad: A sociological introduction. DK Printworld (P) Ltd. Retrieved 2025, April 19 from https://books.google.co.in/books?id=Ci9OEQAAQBAJ&lpg=PT10&ots=U7kTu0GhAT&dq=Jainism&lr&pg=PA1#v=onepage&q=Jainism&f=false
4. Dhiraj, M. S. Jainism Under the Perumals of Kerala. Retrieved 2025, April 19 from https://www.heritageuniversityofkerala.com/JournalPDF/Volume10/8.pdf
5. Zamiri, B., & Gharaei, F. (2025). Analysing the Concept of Yoga Based on the Text of the Religion of Jainism Yogadṛṣṭisaṃuccaya. Religions and Mysticism, 57(2), 325-345. Retrieved 2025, April 19 from https://doi.org/10.22059/jrm.2025.381763.630547
6. Ahammod Mallick, D. M. A. (2025). LIFE SKILL EDUCATION THROUGH THE LENSES OF JAINISM AND BUDDHISM. Archives. Retrieved 2025, April 19 from https://doi.org/10.25215/9348701193.08