Engaged Jain Studies Podcast

Arihanta Institute

Welcome to the Engaged Jain Studies Podcast brought to you by Arihanta Institute. Listen to top figures in the fields of Jain Studies, Religious Studies, Vegan Studies, and Social Justice discuss pressing issues of everyday relevance. Together let’s move beyond the realm of personal spiritual growth and connect philosophy, religion, and spirituality to the important task of caring for the wellbeing of society. Learn about your world and how to change it on the Engaged Jain Studies Podcast. Brought to you by Arihanta Institute, an IRC 501(c)(3) nonprofit California Corporation. Visit ArihantaInstitute.org to learn how our curriculum, spanning Jain philosophy, social justice, veganism, environmental studies, and more, can enrich your understanding of timeless principles in today's context.

  1. Nathan Loewen | Method, Ethics, and Engaged Philosophy of Religion

    1D AGO

    Nathan Loewen | Method, Ethics, and Engaged Philosophy of Religion

    In this episode of the Engaged Jain Studies podcast, Arihanta Institute professor Cogen Bohanec, MA, PhD speaks with Dr. Nathan Loewen, Associate Professor of Religious Studies at the University of Alabama, whose work bridges philosophy of religion, critical theory, and global-critical pedagogy. Their conversation begins by examining higher education as a form of global soft power and the ethical responsibilities scholars carry when navigating the political dimensions of knowledge production. Together, they explore how scholars of religion can cultivate methodological self-awareness while resisting intellectual imperialism, Eurocentrism, and the lingering structures of Orientalism. Dr. Loewen then reflects on his methodological approach shaped by Derrida’s deconstructive ethics and his leadership in the Global-Critical Philosophy of Religion project. The discussion explores his major works—including Beyond the Problem of Evil (2018), Diversifying Philosophy of Religion (2024), and the forthcoming Engaging Philosophies of Religion (2025)—and considers how the emerging field of Engaged Philosophy of Religion expands the discipline toward more pluralistic, dialogical, and ethically grounded frameworks. The episode concludes with reflections on the value of the humanities, the promise of digital pedagogy for intercultural dialogue, and the challenge of balancing critical rigor with compassion and ethical awareness. ADDITIONAL RESOURCES & LINKS Nathan R. B. Loewen – Department of Religious Studies at The University of AlabamaSubscribe to the Arihanta Institute Newsletter ********** ABOUT OUR PODCAST GUEST Nathan Loewen is Associate Professor of Religious Studies at the University of Alabama. He earned his PhD in Modern Philosophy of Religion at McGill University’s School of Religious Studies. His work focuses on philosophy of religion, critical theory, and global-critical approaches to religious studies. In 2018, Dr. Loewen published Beyond the Problem of Evil: Derrida and Anglophone Philosophy of Religion, where he read Derrida’s oeuvre to rethink the topic of evil within the philosophy of religion. In 2024, Loewen published Diversifying Philosophy of Religion with Agnieszka Rostalska. Engaging Philosophies of Religion was published in 2025 with Gereon Kopf and Purushottama Bilimoria. Forthcoming projects include: Artificial Intelligence in 5 Minutes (Equinox, 2025), Philosophies of Self: a Cross-Cultural Introduction (Bloomsbury Academic, 2025)) and Theodicies of Empire: Legitimations of Political Economies and Regimes (Springer, 2029). ABOUT OUR PODCAST HOST Cogen Bohanec currently holds the position of Assistant Professor in Sanskrit and Jain Studies at Arihanta Institute where he teaches various courses on Jain philosophy and its applications. In addition, he is a Visiting Assistant Professor at Claremont School of Theology (CST) where he teaches Sanskrit and Gujarati, and he has taught numerous classes on South Asian Culture & Religions and Sanskrit language at the Graduate Theological Union (GTU) in Berkeley. Dr. Bohanec specializes in the Jain and Hindu traditions, comparative dharma traditions, philosophy of religion, theo-ethics (virtue ethics, and environmental and animal ethics in particular), and Sanskrit language and literature, and has numerous publications in those areas, particularly in the fields of Jain and Hindu Studies amongst other disciplines. He has a PhD in “Historical and Cultural Studies of Religion” with an emphasis in Hindu...

    1 hr
  2. Nirva Kapasi Patel | Animal Law in the United States

    JAN 23

    Nirva Kapasi Patel | Animal Law in the United States

    In this episode, Professor Jonathan Dickstein interviews animal law scholar, advocate, and filmmaker Nirva Kapasi Patel to discuss her groundbreaking work at the intersection of law, justice, and animal liberation. From her early moments of “radicalization” to her leadership roles at Harvard and Boston University, Professor Patel reflects on what it means to see animal rights as a social justice movement—and how legal systems both uphold and challenge speciesist hierarchies. They explore the field of animal law in academia, opportunities for young people entering the space, and the critical role that legal strategy plays in transforming dominant narratives about animals. Professor Patel also shares how her Jain background and community continue to inform her advocacy—from federal petitions to local victories like banning fur sales in her hometown. The conversation includes a preview of her upcoming course at Arihanta Institute, Animal Law in the United States, launching February 2, 2026. Designed for students, activists, and those who care about animal advocacy, law, ethics, and social justice, this course unpacks the ways U.S. law governs—and often fails—nonhuman life, while highlighting legal strategies for change. With 4 hours of lecture content and live Q&A sessions throughout February, all sessions are recorded and available for flexible study. ADDITIONAL RESOURCES & LINKS Course 1022 | Animal Law in the United States - Launching February 2, 2026Voices in Vegan Studies Speaker Series | May - Oct 2026Vegan Studies Initiative @ Arihanta Institute | Courses, Speaker Series, Research & More! ********** ABOUT OUR PODCAST GUEST Professor Nirva Kapasi Patel teaches animal law at Boston University School of Law. Nirva previously served several roles at Harvard Law School’s Animal Law & Policy Program including Executive Director, Clinical Instructor and Global Research Fellow. She most recently worked with students to file a groundbreaking federal petition on behalf of the Jain community to urge the USDA to accommodate for religious diet accommodations for all faiths that adhere to a diet free of animal products. Professor Patel served on several animal protection boards, including as Farm Sanctuary Board Chair. She received her B.S in Biomedical Engineering from Boston University, her J.D. in law from New England School of Law and her Masters in Animals and Policy from the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University. Professor Patel is the Executive Producer of several award-winning documentaries including The Game Changers, 2019’s best-selling documentary on iTunes. Professor Patel lives in Weston (suburb of Boston where she banned the sale of fur via a citizens petition) with her husband, four teenagers, father-in-law, and pet rabbit who was rescued from the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. In her free time Professor Patel enjoys yoga, gardening and cooking vegan recipes. ABOUT OUR PODCAST HOST Dr. Jonathan Dickstein specializes in South Asian Religions, Religion and Ecology, and Comparative Religious Ethics. He received his doctoral degree in Religious Studies from the University of California, Santa Barbara, where he wrote his dissertation on ancient Indian animal taxonomies and their relevance for religious ritual and dietary practice. Jonathan’s current work focuses on Jainism and contemporary ecological issues, and accordingly extends into Critical Animal Studies, Food Studies, and Diaspora Studies. Jonathan has published in a wide array of...

    44 min
  3. Victoria Moran | Vegan Then & Now

    12/19/2025

    Victoria Moran | Vegan Then & Now

    In this live episode of the Engaged Jain Studies Podcast, Arihanta Institute professor and lead organizer of the Vegan Studies Initiative, Jonathan Dickstein, PhD, sits down with acclaimed author, educator, and longtime vegan advocate Victoria Moran for a wide-ranging and deeply reflective conversation on the evolution of veganism. Vegetarian since the late 1960s and vegan since the early 1980s, Moran offers a rare, firsthand account of the movement’s countercultural beginnings and its transformation into a more visible—though still contested—mainstream presence. Drawing on more than five decades of compassionate living, Moran reflects on what first awakened her to the injustices faced by animals, the cultural and gendered dynamics of early animal advocacy, and the shifting focus of her prolific writing career, including works such as Compassion: The Ultimate Ethic and Main Street Vegan. Throughout the conversation, she explores veganism not only as a lifestyle choice but as a spiritual and ethical path—one that continues to deepen over time. Together, Dickstein and Moran invite listeners to consider what compassionate living demands today and how veganism can remain both grounded and visionary in the years ahead. ADDITIONAL RESOURCES & LINKS Learn More About Victoria MoranVegan Studies Initiative @ Arihanta Institute | Courses, Speaker Series, Research & More! ********** ABOUT OUR PODCAST GUEST Vegetarian since the late 1960s and vegan since the early '80s, Victoria Moran she earned a BA in comparative religions and in 1985 wrote her first book, Compassion the Ultimate Ethic: An Exploration of Veganism. She followed up with a dozen more titles including the international bestseller Creating a Charmed Life, the iconic Main Street Vegan, and her new book, Age Like a Yogi. She appeared on Oprah! twice and is included by VegNews on their list of "Top 10 Living Vegetarian Authors." A certified life coach, certified holistic health counselor, and RYT-200 registered yoga teacher, Moran is founder and director of Main Street Vegan Academy, certifying Vegan lifestyle coaches and educators. She hosts of the award-winning Main Street Vegan Podcast and is a founder of the Compassion Consortium, an online spiritual center for people who celebrate all living beings. Moran led the production team for the 2019 documentary A Prayer for Compassion, looking at spirituality and food choices. In 2024, she was inducted into the Vegan Hall of Fame, and along with her husband, Interfaith minister William Melton, was awarded the 2025 Homo Ahimsa award. ABOUT OUR PODCAST HOST Dr. Jonathan Dickstein specializes in South Asian Religions, Religion and Ecology, and Comparative Religious Ethics. He received his doctoral degree in Religious Studies from the University of California, Santa Barbara, where he wrote his dissertation on ancient Indian animal taxonomies and their relevance for religious ritual and dietary practice. Jonathan’s current work focuses on Jainism and contemporary ecological issues, and accordingly extends into Critical Animal Studies, Food Studies, and Diaspora Studies. Jonathan has published in a wide array of interdisciplinary journals on topics such as veganism and politics, yoga and diet, Jain veganism, and the ethic of nonviolence (ahiṃsa). Jonathan considers himself a scholar-practitioner, having spent many years not only in libraries but also in public advocating for justice for both humans and nonhumans alike. ABOUT ARIHANTA INSTITUTE As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit academic institution, Arihanta...

    54 min
  4. Engaged Jainism: Critical & Constructive Studies of Jain Social Engagement

    12/04/2025

    Engaged Jainism: Critical & Constructive Studies of Jain Social Engagement

    In this episode of the Engaged Jain Studies Podcast, Dr. Venu Mehta (Bhagwan Chandraprabha Endowed Assistant Professor in Jain Studies and Assistant Professor of Comparative Spiritualities at Claremont School of Theology) interviews Arihanta Institute Professors Dr. Christopher Jain Miller, Dr. Cogen Bohanec, and Dr. Jonathan Dickstein about the forthcoming edited volume, Engaged Jainism: Critical and Constructive Studies of Jain Social Engagement (SUNY 2025). Learn about their vision for Engaged Jainism and how the volume's interdisciplinary approach invites scholars, community members, and all who hold Jain values dear to contribute to the emerging field of engaged Jain studies. ADDITIONAL RESOURCES & LINKS Engaged Jainism: Critical and Constructive Studies of Jain Social Engagement ********** ABOUT OUR PODCAST GUESTS Christopher Jain Miller is the co-founder, Vice President of Academic Affairs, and Professor of Jain and Yoga Studies at Arihanta Institute. He completed his PhD in the study of Religion at the University of California, Davis and is also a Visiting Researcher at the University of Zürich's Asien-Orient-Institut and Visiting Professor at Claremont School of Theology where he co-developed and co-runs a remotely available Masters Degree Program focusing on Engaged Jain Studies. His current research focuses on Engaged Jainism and Modern Yoga, and he is the author of a number of articles and book chapters concerned with Jainism and the practice of modern yoga. Christopher is the author of Embodying Transnational Yoga: Eating, Singing, and Breathing in Transformation (Routledge 2024), as well as co-editor of the volumes Engaged Jainism: Critical and Constructive Approaches to the Study of Jain Social Engagement (SUNY 2025) and Beacons of Dharma: Spiritual Exemplars for the Modern Age (Lexington 2020). Dr. Jonathan Dickstein specializes in South Asian Religions, Religion and Ecology, and Comparative Religious Ethics. He received his doctoral degree in Religious Studies from the University of California, Santa Barbara, where he wrote his dissertation on ancient Indian animal taxonomies and their relevance for religious ritual and dietary practice. Jonathan’s current work focuses on Jainism and contemporary ecological issues, and accordingly extends into Critical Animal Studies, Food Studies, and Diaspora Studies. Jonathan has published in a wide array of interdisciplinary journals on topics such as veganism and politics, yoga and diet, Jain veganism, and the ethic of nonviolence (ahiṃsa). Jonathan considers himself a scholar-practitioner, having spent many years not only in libraries but also in public advocating for justice for both humans and nonhumans alike. Cogen Bohanec currently holds the position of Assistant Professor in Sanskrit and Jain Studies at Arihanta Institute where he teaches various courses on Jain philosophy and its applications. In addition, he is a Visiting Assistant Professor at Claremont School of Theology (CST) where he teaches Sanskrit and Gujarati, and he has taught numerous classes on South Asian Culture & Religions and Sanskrit language at the Graduate Theological Union (GTU) in Berkeley. Dr. Bohanec specializes in the Jain and Hindu traditions, comparative dharma traditions, philosophy of religion, theo-ethics (virtue ethics, and environmental and animal ethics in particular), and Sanskrit language and literature, and has numerous publications in those areas, particularly in the fields of Jain and Hindu Studies amongst other...

    43 min
  5. Laila Kassam, PhD | People Power for Animal Freedom

    11/05/2025

    Laila Kassam, PhD | People Power for Animal Freedom

    In this episode of the Engaged Jain Studies Podcast, Arihanta Institute professor and lead organizer of the Vegan Studies Initiative Jonathan Dickstein, PhD, speaks with Laila Kassam, Executive Director of Project Phoenix, a UK-based advocacy organization dedicated to building public will for animal liberation. Their conversation examines the past and present landscape of the animal movement—its strategic gains, missed opportunities, and the urgent need for more coordinated public-facing work in the years ahead. Together, they reflect on the evolution of animal advocacy, consider how theories of social change can reorient movement strategy, and explore how organizations like Project Phoenix are reshaping what it means to organize for animal freedom at scale in 2025 and beyond. ADDITIONAL RESOURCES & LINKS Project Phoenix | Join the Animal Freedom MovementSubscribe to the Arihanta Institute NewsletterVegan Studies Initiative @ Arihanta Institute | Courses, Speaker Series, Research & More! ********** ABOUT OUR PODCAST GUESTS Laila is Founder and Executive Director of Project Phoenix. As Executive Director, she leads Project Phoenix’s development, strengthening organizational capacity, and guiding strategic planning, leadership, and culture, to ensure its impact aligns with its mission and values. As Network Power Lead, she cultivates a national network of organizations and individuals working toward shared goals for animal freedom. Laila is a Co-Founder and former Director of Animal Think Tank where she served for six years. She is co-editor of the book Rethinking Food and Agriculture: New Ways Forward which envisions a truly just and sustainable food system. She is on the Advisory Board of Animal Advocacy Careers and The Empathy Project and a mentor for Kickstarting for Good. Laila has been involved in social change for most of her career having previously worked in international development for 15 years. She has a PhD in Development Economics (SOAS) and an MSc in Development Management (LSE). ABOUT OUR PODCAST HOST Dr. Jonathan Dickstein specializes in South Asian Religions, Religion and Ecology, and Comparative Religious Ethics. He received his doctoral degree in Religious Studies from the University of California, Santa Barbara, where he wrote his dissertation on ancient Indian animal taxonomies and their relevance for religious ritual and dietary practice. Jonathan’s current work focuses on Jainism and contemporary ecological issues, and accordingly extends into Critical Animal Studies, Food Studies, and Diaspora Studies. Jonathan has published in a wide array of interdisciplinary journals on topics such as veganism and politics, yoga and diet, Jain veganism, and the ethic of nonviolence (ahiṃsa). Jonathan considers himself a scholar-practitioner, having spent many years not only in libraries but also in public advocating for justice for both humans and nonhumans alike. Copyright 2026 Arihanta Institute As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit academic institution, Arihanta Institute is dedicated to advancing education, scholarship, critical research, and public dissemination of real-world application of the Jain principles of non-violence (ahiṃsā) and compassion (karuṇā). Our mission is to empower individuals with knowledge to embrace and apply these principles as a force for positive change, addressing the most pressing issues of our time with courage and compassion.

    57 min
  6. Anna Halafoff, PhD | Buddhism, (Non)Action & Compassionate Responsibility

    10/23/2025

    Anna Halafoff, PhD | Buddhism, (Non)Action & Compassionate Responsibility

    In this episode of the Engaged Jain Studies Podcast, Arihanta Institute professor Christopher Jain Miller, PhD, engages in a profound conversation with Dr. Anna Halafoff, Associate Professor in Sociology of Religion and Religious Studies at Deakin University, Australia. Their discussion delves into the Buddhist philosophy of compassion—its ethical, contemplative, and social dimensions—with a particular focus on the Dzogchen tradition’s distinctive approach to rest, (non)action, and compassionate responsibility. Together, Professor Miller and Dr. Halafoff discuss how meditative practices cultivate resilience and empathy in both personal and collective contexts. They further consider how Buddhist ethics of interdependence can inform global engagement, ecological responsibility, and compassionate coexistence in today’s interconnected world. Listen for inspiration on how to cultivate compassion for oneself and others using Buddhist teachings and techniques. Course Spotlight — 2022 | Buddhism, (Non)Action & Compassionate Responsibility — available for self-study on Monday, December 1, 2025. This course invites learners to explore Buddhist understandings of compassion through the lens of Dzogchen Buddhism’s teachings on rest and (non)action. Students will examine how awareness and spaciousness form the foundation for compassionate responsiveness, while engaging with accessible practices and readings provided throughout the course. Offered by the Compassion Studies Initiative (CSI@AI) at Arihanta Institute, this course is made possible through the generous support of the Uberoi Foundation. 👉🏽✨ Pre-register now and unlock unlimited access to 60+ courses with a 14-day free trial through Arihanta Institute’s Course Membership! Join a global community of lifelong learners dedicated to positive change and a more compassionate, purposeful life. Start your free trial! ADDITIONAL RESOURCES & LINKS 2022 | Buddhism, (Non)Action & Compassionate ResponsibilityThe Compassion Studies Initiative is supported by a grant from the Uberoi Foundation. Course Membership - Start Your 14-Day Free Trial ********** About Our Podcast GuestDr. Anna Halafoff is Associate Professor in Sociology of Religion and Religious Studies at Deakin University. Her research expertise includes spirituality, Buddhism, religious diversity, interreligious relations, and social cohesion. She currently leads major projects on Buddhism in Australia: Belonging, Wellbeing, and Social Engagement and Spirituality in Australia: Wellness, Wellbeing, and Risks. Dr. Halafoff is the author of Freedoms, Faiths and Futures: Teenage Australians on Religion, Sexuality and Diversity (Bloomsbury, 2021) and Religious Diversity in Australia: Living Well with Difference (Bloomsbury, 2024). A qualified yoga and meditation teacher with over 35 years of practice, she draws from both scholarly and experiential perspectives to deepen understanding of Buddhist compassion, rest, and ethical action. About Our Podcast HostChristopher Jain Miller, PhD, is the co-founder, Vice President of Academic Affairs, and Professor of Jain and Yoga Studies at Arihanta Institute. He completed his PhD

    45 min
  7. Devinder Pal Singh, PhD | Sikh Teachings & Practices of Compassion

    09/25/2025

    Devinder Pal Singh, PhD | Sikh Teachings & Practices of Compassion

    In this episode of the Engaged Jain Studies Podcast, Arihanta Institute professor Christopher Jain Miller, PhD, engages in a profound conversation with Dr. Devinder Pal Singh, an expert in Sikh studies. Their discussion explores the central role of compassion in the Sikh dharmic tradition, from its theological underpinnings to its real-world applications. Dr. Singh introduces listeners to the foundational principles of Sikhi that shape compassionate living, such as seva (selfless service) and the ethic of oneness that honors the divine presence in all beings. He highlights how Sikh teachings inspire not only inner transformation but also active forms of service, including the institution of langar (free community kitchens), ecological care, and the defense of social justice. The conversation also emphasizes how acts of forgiveness, service, and balancing of temporal and spiritual responsibilities invite practitioners to live in ways that uplift humanity and protect the natural world. Together, Professor Miller and Dr. Singh illuminate how the Sikh tradition envisions compassion as both an inward disposition and an outward call to action—encouraging all to serve others and stand against injustice. Course Spotlight — 2023 | Sikh Teachings and Practices of Compassion — available for self-study on Monday, November 3, 2025. This course, offered by the Compassion Studies Initiative (CSI@AI) at Arihanta Institute and made possible through the generous support of the Uberoi Foundation, explores how the Sikh tradition fosters both personal transformation and social responsibility through compassion. 👉🏽✨ Pre-register now and unlock unlimited access to 50+ courses with a 14-day free trial to Arihanta's Institute's Course Membership! Join a global community of lifelong learners dedicated to positive change and a more compassionate, purposeful life. Start your free trial! ADDITIONAL RESOURCES & LINKS Course 2023 | Sikh Teachings and Practices of CompassionThe Compassion Studies Initiative is supported by a grant from the Uberoi Foundation. Arihanta Institute | Ancient Wisdom for Modern LivingSubscribe to the Arihanta Institute Newsletter ********** ABOUT OUR PODCAST GUEST Dr. Devinder Pal Singh is a teacher-researcher with over 35 years of experience in education and advocacy on scientific, environmental and religious issues. He, a Founder-Director of the Center for Understanding Sikhism in Ontario, Canada, specializes in writing on scientific and theological topics. He has authored 24 books and published over 1000 articles in the fields of Science, Environment and Sikhism. He is the Editorial Advisory Board Member for prominent journals like The Sikh Review, Kolkata, India, and Studies in Sikhism and Comparative Religion, New Delhi, India. With over two dozen invited talks and more than 100 TV and YouTube presentations to his credit, he is a prominent voice on social, technological, and environmental issues within the Punjabi and Sikh communities. His advocacy work is grounded in a sound scientific background, given his PhD and decades of experience teaching physics at the college and university levels. He has published over 100 research papers and presented them at 60 national and international conferences on Physics and allied topics. Dr. Singh has published...

    46 min
  8. Eileen Goddard | Bhakti Approaches to Compassion

    09/09/2025

    Eileen Goddard | Bhakti Approaches to Compassion

    In this enlightening episode of the Engaged Jain Studies podcast, Arihanta Institute professor Cogen Bohanec, MA, PhD engages in a profound discussion with Eileen Goddard, a Religious Studies PhD candidate at the University of California, Santa Barbara. The conversation traverses Eileen's academic journey, highlighting key influences like her mentors Barbara Holdrege and Edwin Bryant, and her deep-rooted interest in South Asian religious traditions. Eileen delves into her fascination with the Caitanya Vaiṣṇava tradition, exploring how her research focuses on the sixteenth-century Gauḍīya Vaiṣṇava movement. She offers insights into Indian religious constructions of "perfected" minds and bodies, along with her broader interests in bhakti traditions, classical Sanskrit aesthetic theory (rasa), and gender and sexuality. The discussion also reveals the intersection of Cogen Bohanec’s own work with Eileen’s, especially in areas like philosophy of religion, yoga studies, Jain studies, and Gauḍīya Vaiṣṇava studies. They touch upon Eileen’s course, "Devotional (bhakti) Approaches to Compassion in the Caitanya Vaiṣṇava Tradition," which investigates the connections between divine love, human compassion, and contemporary humanitarian efforts. Key topics include the role of compassion in scholarship, the ethical teachings of the Caitanya Vaiṣṇava tradition, and the influential philosophies of Rūpa Gosvāmin and Jīva Gosvāmin. Gender, embodiment, metaphysics, epistemology, and ethics within Gauḍīya Vaiṣṇava theology are also thoughtfully examined, offering listeners a rich tapestry of devotional and academic insights. Course Spotlight — 2021 | Devotional (bhakti) Approaches to Compassion in the Caitanya Vaiṣṇava Tradition — available for self-study on Monday, October 6, 2025. ADDITIONAL RESOURCES & LINKS Course 2021 | Devotional (bhakti) Approaches to Compassion in the Caitanya Vaiṣṇava TraditionThe Compassion Studies Initiative is supported by a grant from the Uberoi Foundation. ********** ABOUT OUR PODCAST GUEST Eileen Goddard is a Religious Studies Ph.D. Candidate at the University of California, Santa Barbara. She teaches courses on Indian religious traditions and philosophies at UCSB and the University of Houston. Eileen's dissertation research focuses on the sixteenth century Gauḍīya Vaiṣṇava tradition and comparatively analyzes Indian soteriologies of perfected minds and bodies. Eileen's broader research interests include Hindu and Indian philosophies, bhakti traditions, classical Sanskrit aesthetic theory (rasa), and gender and sexuality. Eileen completed her M.A. in Religion at Rutgers University and B.A. in Philosophy at The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. ABOUT OUR PODCAST HOST Cogen Bohanec currently holds the position of Assistant Professor in Sanskrit and Jain Studies at Arihanta Institute where he teaches various courses on Jain philosophy and its applications. In addition, he is a Visiting Assistant Professor at Claremont School of Theology (CST) where he teaches Sanskrit and Gujarati, and he has taught numerous classes on South Asian Culture & Religions and Sanskrit...

    55 min
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About

Welcome to the Engaged Jain Studies Podcast brought to you by Arihanta Institute. Listen to top figures in the fields of Jain Studies, Religious Studies, Vegan Studies, and Social Justice discuss pressing issues of everyday relevance. Together let’s move beyond the realm of personal spiritual growth and connect philosophy, religion, and spirituality to the important task of caring for the wellbeing of society. Learn about your world and how to change it on the Engaged Jain Studies Podcast. Brought to you by Arihanta Institute, an IRC 501(c)(3) nonprofit California Corporation. Visit ArihantaInstitute.org to learn how our curriculum, spanning Jain philosophy, social justice, veganism, environmental studies, and more, can enrich your understanding of timeless principles in today's context.

Information

  • Creator
    Arihanta Institute
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    33
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 Arihanta Institute
  • Show Website
    Engaged Jain Studies Podcast