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Jain Philosophy Classes Online — Texts, Concepts and Sanskrit Literature

An introduction to Jain philosophy through its own literature — core concepts, Sanskrit texts such as the Tattvārthasūtra, and Stotras with meaning.

All levelsTeens and adults · All backgroundsLive online
Teacher
Shastri-qualified Sanskrit teacher
Type
Live online classes
Subject
Jain philosophy and literature
Level
All levels
Language
Sanskrit, explained in English or Hindi
Format
One-to-one / Small group
Duration
Planned with you
No. of classes
Planned with you

Course overview

Jain thought is one of the oldest continuous philosophical traditions of India. It offers a detailed account of the soul, of karma and of the path to liberation, and an ethic built on non-violence, truthfulness and restraint. Its literature is equally rich, composed over many centuries in Prakrit and in Sanskrit.

This course introduces the central ideas and then reads them in the texts themselves. Sūtras and verses are taken word by word, so that you learn what a term means in its original setting. The teacher's training in both Sanskrit and Jain philosophy allows language and meaning to be taught together.

Schedule of classes

Flexible start

One-to-one classes can begin at any time. Days and timings are agreed with you, around school hours, work and your time zone. Small-group batches are formed as learners at the same level enrol; tell us your preferred days and we will let you know the next batch.

  • Start date: any time (one-to-one)
  • Days and time: chosen with you
  • Number of classes: planned in the free counselling session
Ask about the next batch

Who is this course for?

  • Members of the Jain community who wish to study their texts with understanding
  • Young people and families, in India and abroad, learning Jain teachings and prayers
  • Students of Indian philosophy and religion
  • Sanskrit learners interested in Jain Sanskrit literature

What are the prerequisites?

  • No previous study of Jain philosophy is assumed
  • No Sanskrit or Prakrit is required to begin; texts are read word by word with full explanation

What you will learn

  • The core principles: ahiṃsā (non-violence), anekāntavāda (many-sidedness) and aparigraha (non-possessiveness)
  • The three jewels (ratnatraya): right faith, right knowledge and right conduct
  • The fundamental categories (tattva) and the outline of karma theory
  • The vows of the householder and of the ascetic, in outline
  • How to read a sūtra: splitting, word meaning and explanation
  • Selected Stotras and prayers with pronunciation and meaning

Curriculum

  1. Foundations

    • The Tīrthaṅkaras and the transmission of the teaching, in outline
    • Jīva and ajīva: the soul and what is not soul
    • Ahiṃsā, anekāntavāda and aparigraha
  2. The path

    • The three jewels as the path to liberation
    • The tattvas: jīva, ajīva, āsrava, bandha, saṃvara, nirjarā and mokṣa
    • Karma: how it is bound and how it is shed
    • The five vows
  3. Jain literature

    • The Āgamas and other canonical works — composed in Prakrit
    • The Tattvārthasūtra — composed in Sanskrit; selected sūtras read in the original
    • Later Sanskrit works of philosophy, narrative and poetry, in outline
  4. Stotras and prayers

    • The Ṇamokāra Mantra — in Prakrit — with meaning
    • Selected verses of the Bhaktāmara Stotra — in Sanskrit — with pronunciation and meaning
    • Other Stotras chosen with the learner
  5. Language of the texts

    • How Sanskrit and Prakrit differ, with examples
    • Reading Sanskrit sūtras and verses
    • An introduction to Prakrit forms where a text requires it

Topics and texts are chosen with the learner. Where the Digambara and Śvetāmbara traditions differ — for example in their canonical literature or on particular points of doctrine — the difference is stated plainly and respectfully.

A sample lesson

Every verse is taught like this: text, meanings, each word, pronunciation and context.

परस्परोपग्रहो जीवानाम्॥

parasparopagraho jīvānām ||

Tattvārthasūtra 5.21 · Sanskrit

Hindi meaning
जीवों का परस्पर उपकार (एक-दूसरे का सहयोग) करना ही उनका कार्य है।
English meaning
Souls render service to one another. (Living beings exist in mutual support.)

What will you gain from this course?

  • You can explain the central concepts of Jain philosophy in your own words
  • You can read and explain selected sūtras of the Tattvārthasūtra
  • You recite the prayers and Stotras you have learnt with understanding
  • You know which major texts are in Sanskrit and which in Prakrit, and how to continue your study

What materials and support do you get?

  • Live classes with word-by-word reading of sūtras and verses.
  • Meanings in Hindi or English, with the language of each text (Sanskrit or Prakrit) identified.
  • Line-by-line pronunciation of Stotras and prayers.
  • Time for questions and discussion in every class.
  • Doubts answered on WhatsApp between classes.

How is progress assessed?

  • Explaining a sūtra or concept in your own words.
  • Recitation of the prayers and Stotras studied.
  • There is no written examination.

What effort is required?

The total number of classes is planned with you. As a guide, learners progress best with regular live classes each week and a short period of practice on most days — reading aloud, revising forms or reciting. The weekly plan is agreed in the counselling session.

How we teach

  • Each concept is introduced in plain language, then read in a sūtra or verse.
  • Texts are split word by word, with meaning in Hindi or English.
  • The language of every text — Sanskrit or Prakrit — is always identified.
  • Stotras are taught with line-by-line pronunciation before meaning.
  • Discussion is welcome; the teaching presents what the texts say without unsupported claims.

Sanskrit and Prakrit in Jain literature

Jain teachings were first preserved in Prakrit, the family of spoken languages of ancient India. The canonical Āgamas are in Ardhamāgadhī Prakrit, many important Digambara works are in Śaurasenī Prakrit, and the Ṇamokāra Mantra is Prakrit as well. From the early centuries of the common era, Jain scholars also wrote extensively in Sanskrit; the Tattvārthasūtra is the best-known example and is respected across Jain traditions.

This course teaches Sanskrit texts in Sanskrit and, where a Prakrit text is studied, introduces the Prakrit forms needed to read it. The two are never presented as the same language.

Who the course is for

Learners of any faith or none are welcome. The course is educational: it explains what the tradition teaches and how its texts express it.

Class format

  • One-to-one

    Private classes at your own pace, scheduled around you.

  • Small group

    A small batch that follows a structured plan together.

Duration

Planned with you in the free counselling session, according to your current level and goal.

Fees

Fees depend on the course and on whether you choose one-to-one or small-group classes. Please contact us for current fees.

  • Individual class

    A single one-to-one class, booked as you need it.

    Contact for fees

  • Monthly individual coaching

    Regular one-to-one classes at a fixed weekly rhythm.

    Contact for fees

  • Monthly group classes

    Small-group classes that follow a structured plan.

    Contact for fees

  • Course package

    A complete course or examination-preparation programme.

    Contact for fees

Frequently asked questions

Do you teach Jain scriptures?

Yes. The course reads selected sūtras of the Tattvārthasūtra in Sanskrit and introduces other texts in outline. Prakrit texts, such as the Ṇamokāra Mantra, are taught with their meaning and identified as Prakrit.

Are Jain scriptures in Sanskrit or Prakrit?

Both languages are used. The canonical Āgamas are in Prakrit, while many later philosophical and literary works, including the Tattvārthasūtra and the Bhaktāmara Stotra, are in Sanskrit.

Do I need to be Jain to take this course?

No. The course is open to everyone with a sincere interest in Jain philosophy and literature.

Can children learn Jain prayers and Stotras?

Yes. Children can learn prayers and Stotras with correct pronunciation and simple meanings. Enquiries for children should be made by a parent or guardian.

Does the course follow the Digambara or the Śvetāmbara tradition?

The course teaches what is shared across the tradition and notes respectfully where the two differ. Please mention your family's tradition when you enquire, so that prayers and texts can be chosen appropriately.

Enquire about this course

Tell us a little about the learner. We reply on WhatsApp or email to arrange a free counselling session.

Who is the learner?

For learners under 18, a parent or guardian should make the enquiry. We do not ask for the child's name or contact details at this stage.

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॥ विद्या ददाति विनयम् ॥

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  • School, beginner, Shloka or Jain philosophy
  • In English or Hindi, at a time that suits you
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