The Centre of Jaina Studies and the Brunei Gallery at SOAS, University of London, have unveiled plans for a landmark new exhibition entitled ‘Pure Soul: The Jaina Spiritual Traditions’, opening in London next month, with the aim to acquaint a wider public with some unique aspects of Jaina traditions.
Jainism is an ancient religion of great cultural significance in India and increasingly worldwide. Over the last two millennia it developed different pathways to the goal of self-realisation. Liberation of the soul from entanglement in the chain of karma is the principal aim of the Jaina tradition.
How can the soul be conceptualised and represented in a visual way?
What methods of salvation are taught?
These are some questions answered by Jaina mendicants and modern saints, including Tāraṇa Svāmī, Śrīmad Rājacandra and Kānjī Svāmī, and their life sketches and messages will be displayed in the exhibition.
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The exhibition, rooted in ongoing research, draws on material from international public and private collections being displayed together for the first time, reflects the pluralism of Jaina thought and practice with focus on previously underrepresented facets of the Jaina philosophy and way of life:
Non-image venerating Śvetāmbara mendicant traditions and their lay supporters. Lay traditions rooted in the spiritual teachings of the Digambara monk Ācārya Kundakunda
The exhibition is accompanied by an international academic symposium on Saturday 15 th April ‘Kānajī Svāmi and the Digambara Traditions’ including the screening of a film on Kānjī Svāmī, and a cultural programme of events on 16th, 22nd and 23rd April ‘Jainism Inside Out’ co-organised by the Centre of Jaina Studies SOAS and the UK Jaina community within a Knowledge Exchange framework.
The three-day series of inspirational cultural events, thought-provoking educational talks and discussions, interactive workshops and more, will reveal the beauty and depth of the Jain religion. Delivered by members of the Jain community across two weekends, the program will give a broad understanding of this ancient Indian religion and will encourage participants to learn more.
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This special event in London has been facilitated by a group of volunteers who have worked tirelessly under the guidance of Nirav Gudhka, a dedicated student and teacher of Jainism, and a long-time patron of Shree Digamber Jain Association temple located in Harrow.
Gudhka said: “We are excited to welcome the public through the SOAS doors in April to showcase the wealth of talent that we have in the Jain community.
“Very hopeful that our efforts will be rewarded by your visit, to the Jainism Inside Out events and to the exhibition”.
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The close of the exhibition will be marked by the ‘Pure Soul Film Day’ at SOAS on June 25. Supported by SOAS and the Global Kanji Swami Society, as well as private sponsors, the exhibition is timed to celebrate the 20 years of the Centre of Jaina Studies at SOAS.
*Info: Pure Soul SOAS
