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This course is an introduction to Jain philosophy, with a particular emphasis on its relevance to environmentalism. Jainism, like Buddhism, is a non-theistic religion. It was propagated by Mahavir between 599-528 BCE in India.
Jainism’s recognition of the interconnectedness of all living beings resonates strongly with contemporary environmental thinking, making it a valuable framework for addressing sustainability, conservation, and ecological balance.
What will we cover?
• The founding of Jainism and its historical development • The fundamental principles of Jainism (including the Six Substances, the Philosophy of Soul, Mind, and Body, the Three Jewels, Morality, and the Path to Liberation) • The current practice and status of Jainism in the modern world • The relationship between Jainism and the environment, including the application of Jain principles to modern environmental issues like sustainability and ecological balance.
What will I achieve? By the end of this course you should be able to...
• State the historical and cultural context for the Jain movement and its spread. • Explain the key principles of Jain philosophy and their ethical significance. • Reflect on the connections between Jainism and modern environmentalism, exploring how Jain teachings can inform contemporary environmental practices and policies.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
This course is suitable for beginners or intermediate learners who may have little or no prior knowledge of Jainism. It will appeal to individuals interested in exploring non-theistic religions, as well as those seeking insights into the intersection of ancient philosophy and modern environmentalism. Participants should come with an open mind and respect for diverse perspectives, as views and beliefs within the course may vary.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
The course will be interactive, with opportunities for discussion on the relevance of Jain principles to modern-day environmental challenges. Readings and materials will be provided to support learning. The course will be delivered through PowerPoint presentations, and students will be encouraged to engage with the material both during and outside of the class sessions.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
No other costs. You may want to bring a notebook and pen for taking notes.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
You might be interested in HRS47 An introduction to comparative Indian religions, in August, taught by the same tutor.
Ketan teaches courses in Business Skills and Indian Philosophy/History at CityLit. In his career Ketan has worked with over 30 large and complex organisations in helping them with Operational Excellence and Change Management. He is the author of the book ‘The Art of Transformational Change – a handbook for leaders and managers’, published in October 2015. Ketan is of indian hertitage and has visited many places of pilgrimage and history in India over the last 25 years. He has learnt Sanskrit to foundation level and studied several Indian sutras. He has delivered courses in Jain Philosophy for over 15 years.
Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.
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https://www.citylit.ac.uk/an-introduction-to-jainism165868An introduction to Jainismhttps://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/a/n/an-introduction-to-jainism-_hrs29-1024.jpg7979GBPInStock/Courses/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/Philosophy, religion, & ideas/Religion & belief/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/Philosophy, religion, & ideas/Courses/vm/Environment & Sustainability22851177120214041366912285117714041653This course is an introduction to Jain philosophy, with a particular emphasis on its relevance to environmentalism. <div data-content-type="html" data-appearance="default" data-element="main">The course is an introduction to Jain philosophy. Jainism stands with Buddhism as a non-theistic religion. However it believes in the concept of soul as substance, as part of a set of 6 metaphysical substances.<br />
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The goal of Jainism is permanent separation of the soul from the body i.e. liberation. Jainism was propagated by Mahavir, (599BC-527BC) - its founding principles that are Right Faith, Right Conduct and Right Knowledge. <br />
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It maxim is of non-violence, to the extent that to this day Jain nuns/monks walk barefooted and do not travel by mechanical means in the fear of causing harm to minute creatures. However Jainism is not a pacifist religion and allows people the right of self defence and pursuit of livelihood. <br />
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Jainism prominent ideas to the world including the concept of multitudes of infinity, and the concept of many sidedness of knowledge via three facets (in some ways it is, in some ways it is not, it is indescribable).</div>24.52815851An introduction to Jainism7979https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/a/n/an-introduction-to-jainism-_hrs29-1024_3.jpgInStockDaytimeSatKeeley StreetAvailable coursesOne-off onlyWeekend2026-05-23T00:00:00+00:00May 2026Culture, history & humanitiesHRS297979An introduction to Jainism795179Ketan Variaan-introduction-to-jainism/hrs29-2526This course is an introduction to Jain philosophy, with a particular emphasis on its relevance to environmentalism.0000-Available|2026-05-23 00:00:00This course is an introduction to Jain philosophy, with a particular emphasis on its relevance to environmentalism. Jainism, like Buddhism, is a non-theistic religion. It was propagated by Mahavir between 599-528 BCE in India.<br/><br/>Jainism’s recognition of the interconnectedness of all living beings resonates strongly with contemporary environmental thinking, making it a valuable framework for addressing sustainability, conservation, and ecological balance.This course is an introduction to Jain philosophy, with a particular emphasis on its relevance to environmentalism.• The founding of Jainism and its historical development<br/>• The fundamental principles of Jainism (including the Six Substances, the Philosophy of Soul, Mind, and Body, the Three Jewels, Morality, and the Path to Liberation)<br/>• The current practice and status of Jainism in the modern world<br/>• The relationship between Jainism and the environment, including the application of Jain principles to modern environmental issues like sustainability and ecological balance.• State the historical and cultural context for the Jain movement and its spread.<br/>• Explain the key principles of Jain philosophy and their ethical significance.<br/>• Reflect on the connections between Jainism and modern environmentalism, exploring how Jain teachings can inform contemporary environmental practices and policies.This course is suitable for beginners or intermediate learners who may have little or no prior knowledge of Jainism. It will appeal to individuals interested in exploring non-theistic religions, as well as those seeking insights into the intersection of ancient philosophy and modern environmentalism. Participants should come with an open mind and respect for diverse perspectives, as views and beliefs within the course may vary.The course will be interactive, with opportunities for discussion on the relevance of Jain principles to modern-day environmental challenges. Readings and materials will be provided to support learning.<br/>The course will be delivered through PowerPoint presentations, and students will be encouraged to engage with the material both during and outside of the class sessions.No other costs. You may want to bring a notebook and pen for taking notes.<p>You might be interested in HRS47 An introduction to comparative Indian religions, in August, taught by the same tutor.</p>Philosophy, religion, & ideasReligion & beliefvirtual797951HRS29NONESat23/05/2610:30 - 17:3010:3017:301 session1One-off onlyDaytimeWeekendKSKeeley StreetKetan VariaAvailable courses2026-05-23T00:00:00+00:00May 2026Culture, history & humanities7979An introduction to Jainisman-introduction-to-jainism/hrs29-2526This course is an introduction to Jain philosophy, with a particular emphasis on its relevance to environmentalism.0000-Available|2026-05-23 00:00:00This course is an introduction to Jain philosophy, with a particular emphasis on its relevance to environmentalism. Jainism, like Buddhism, is a non-theistic religion. It was propagated by Mahavir between 599-528 BCE in India.<br/><br/>Jainism’s recognition of the interconnectedness of all living beings resonates strongly with contemporary environmental thinking, making it a valuable framework for addressing sustainability, conservation, and ecological balance.This course is an introduction to Jain philosophy, with a particular emphasis on its relevance to environmentalism.• The founding of Jainism and its historical development<br/>• The fundamental principles of Jainism (including the Six Substances, the Philosophy of Soul, Mind, and Body, the Three Jewels, Morality, and the Path to Liberation)<br/>• The current practice and status of Jainism in the modern world<br/>• The relationship between Jainism and the environment, including the application of Jain principles to modern environmental issues like sustainability and ecological balance.• State the historical and cultural context for the Jain movement and its spread.<br/>• Explain the key principles of Jain philosophy and their ethical significance.<br/>• Reflect on the connections between Jainism and modern environmentalism, exploring how Jain teachings can inform contemporary environmental practices and policies.This course is suitable for beginners or intermediate learners who may have little or no prior knowledge of Jainism. It will appeal to individuals interested in exploring non-theistic religions, as well as those seeking insights into the intersection of ancient philosophy and modern environmentalism. Participants should come with an open mind and respect for diverse perspectives, as views and beliefs within the course may vary.The course will be interactive, with opportunities for discussion on the relevance of Jain principles to modern-day environmental challenges. Readings and materials will be provided to support learning.<br/>The course will be delivered through PowerPoint presentations, and students will be encouraged to engage with the material both during and outside of the class sessions.No other costs. You may want to bring a notebook and pen for taking notes.<p>You might be interested in HRS47 An introduction to comparative Indian religions, in August, taught by the same tutor.</p>Philosophy, religion, & ideasReligion & beliefconfigurable
