The two groups of ISSJS 2009 started as follows:
- One month program: May 24th 2009
- Two months program: May 31st 2009
The first day of each program was devoted exclusively to orient the new participants about the program, way of life in the program, expectations on both sides and knowing each other better. It was indeed a very enjoyable experience which set the pace for joint learning and experiencing by the overseas participants and the ISSJS faculty and management.
The first four days of the one month program were devoted to academic lectures by Prof R. P. Jain (ex JNU and Münster Univ. Germany) and Prof. Kamla Jain (JMC of Delhi Univ.). These lectures were organized to prepare the one month program participants for the next week of studies led by the most respected Jain scholar in the world; Prof. Padmanabha Jaini as the key faculty (six lectures of two hours each) and supported by Prof. Shashi Prabha Kumar (JNU - one lecture) and Dr. Shugan Jain (ISJS - 3 lectures). The one month participants had a very happy and enjoyable dinner evening with Uma and Shugan Jain at their home on May 30th. On May 31st participation for the both the programs visited Jain temples at Ahimsa Sthal, Bari Dadabari and Jain Lal Mandir and Birds Hospital Chandni Chowk.
The next week i.e. from June 1st to 5th was a very absorbing period in which we had very deep academic lectures by Prof. Jaini on the one hand, comparative religions by Prof. Shashi Prabha and the practice of religion and epistemology by Dr. Shugan Chand Jain. Simultaneously this period had heavy experiential activities in the form of meetings and dinner with Jain community leaders (Shri Nirmal Sethi President of SBDJM, Smt. Indu Jain chairperson Time of India group, Dr. O.P. Jain founder of Sanskriti Foundation) and visits to Jain temples in Delhi and an evening with a Jain nun and feast of devotional Indian music by well known radio artists. The week ended by a public talk delivered by Prof. P.S. Jaini on warfare and heavens in Buddhism and Jainism at India international centre attended by an overflowing auditorium on June 6th.
Some photos of the activities performed are attached for the pleasure of your viewing.
To conclude, this year the experience at ISSJS had been truly phenomenal. There had been a tremendous bonding amongst the participants and ISSJS, an experience never felt before. The experience had set new standards for future ISSJS globally. Of course there were a few hiccups but they were generally resolved quickly to the satisfaction of all. We pray for the successful completion of ISSJS2009 in the same spirit and tone set till now. On June 7th, ISSJS proceeds on its yatra to the Jain holy pilgrim places and finally start the Jaipur session on June 10th.
