Jainism and Vedanta: A Comparative Study | Dr. Jeffery D. Long

Dr. Jeffery D. Long (Professor of Religion and Asian Studies at Elizabethtown University) presents a comparative study of Jainism and Vedanta. Professor Long teaches courses on Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism (Dharma Traditions), as well as seminars on Star Wars and Asian philosophy, Sanskrit, and Comparative Theology and Interfaith Engagement. He is the author of three books and a wide array of articles on Hinduism, Indian philosophy, and religious pluralism. In addition to his academic and spiritual interests, he is an avid fan of science fiction and fantasy and classic rock. He also likes cats.

ABOUT VEDANTA
Vedanta is one of the world’s most ancient religious philosophies and one of its broadest. Based on the Vedas, the sacred scriptures of India, Vedanta affirms the oneness of existence, the divinity of the soul, and the harmony of religions.

ABOUT US
Vedanta Society of New York is affiliated with the Ramakrishna Order of India. In fact, this is the Order's first Center started by Swami Vivekananda, in 1894. It was a historic event, for the seed of the world-wide Ramakrishna Movement was sown here in New York over a century ago. Swami Sarvapriyananda is the present Resident Minister and Spiritual Leader of the Vedanta Society of New York.

[jainamj]

Wow finally.. I follow Jainism and I always found so many similarities between Jainism and Vedanta and I was looking for a comparative study between both these great philosophies.

[Maldoror]

Jai Jinendra and Greetings from Germany to all followers of the Jain Dharma!

[CSL]

I am a hindu but was told a long time ago by someone in my family that Jains didn't eat after dark was because after sunset they would have to light oil lamps. These lamps would attract insects and they would be killed. So having the dinner before sunset would help avoid that any harm to small creatures. Also the point of insects falling on food in poor light was also a great possibility. I found this such a beautiful thought. Compassion for other life forms .

[JayasuryaaGR]

Great, thank you so much. I don't know why I didn't learn about Jainism so far. I was wondering for a long time how the Vedic Aryans suddenly developed new form of beautiful philosophies in Upanishads completely in contradiction to Vedic Samhitas and why they started practicing vegetarianism. Now the answer is clear to me, they must have got inspired from Jain monks and Thirthankaras. And many Tamil researchers claim that Lord Pillaiyar (referred to as Ganesha in the North) is an Ajivika God which the Aryans assimilated, and I could see even the western religious researchers say that Lord Pillaiyar is also worshipped by some Jains - a closer religion to Ajivikas.

[harikrishnarhk]

I am grateful to Vedanta society of New York for bringing a great topic like this in presentation. Salute to Dr. Jeffrey for his clearly articulated points. Thank you all teachers of Vedanta for this continuous excellence.

[Sincere-c]

A very interesting and informative talk. So much of research has gone into this talk is quite obvious..
Enjoyed thoroughly. Thanks Dr. Jeffery and thanks Vedanta NY.

[harikrishnarhk]

Jai Sri Ramakrishna, Jai Sri Totapuri, Jai Swami Vivekananda, Jai Swami Sarvapriyananda,
Jai Jinendra

[jain]

All ancient temples in South India was Jain temples. They got converted into other gods (and new history created with their name) in the 6th century. Till 6th century, Jainism was the major religion of India and India was the golden bird till 6th century.

[SudheerKumar-idww]

अतुलनीय विचारों की सकारात्मक तुलना, ज्ञान में वृद्धि करने वाला है।ॐ।।

[chendaforest]

Love Dr Long, he is such a superb scholar and his book on Jainism is excellent.

[devin]

Such a great philosophical talk! I always love listening to Dr. Long and his perspectives.

[always_b_kind]

Fellow truthseeker here. It seems that most religions are in direct contrast to Jainism. Christianity, Buddhism and Vedanta are all saying it's okay to do some level of harm; there's grace, mercy and forgiveness of sins. I wonder if the politicians invented these religions to promote "untouchables", slaves, the poor, etc to try harder in improving their lives. According to karmic laws, all men are not created equal- not self-evident. Even if people like Dada Bhagwan reach some kind of self realization, does that really mean he reached moksha-nirvana-end of samsara/reincarnation -everlasting life? I have a feeling Jainism is the ultimate highest truth. I know it seems unattainable but why not try, improve our karma at least for our next life? Namaste 🙏

[anivartakjain]

As a jain i want to take it World as then it can be a peaceful place as we follow absolute non violence not in terms of any creature hurt or even in thoughts ❤

[mickey]

I can answer the question of why the spirit found itself in the physical form. We volunteered. Infinite bliss can get boring so we play the game of suffering.

[mukeshdesai]

11:00. ; 11:40. ; 12:40. ; 21:55. ; 30:00 life growing up. ; 34:00. 😆. 42:00. ; 1:14:00. 😆

[billyoumans]

Is this the same Dr. Jeffrey Long who is the head of the International Near Death Studies Association? From looking on the internet, it seems not...

[ashiskarmakar]

Hi Can you say that, If mind and intellect does not grasp self. Deep samadhi is necessary or needed for enlightenment.

[sarahsuero]

Can someone type out the opening chant in Sanskrit? I’d love to learn it. 🙏🏻

[ItsRamzi]

Some things are not virtuous. Some things are not deontological. Some things do not maximize good or minimize harm. There are facts about such matters. There are better and worse ways to go about things. Rape, murder, and cannibalism, cannot be called a respectable path.

Aside from the possibilities of dying and becoming a perfect being, and dying and becoming another imperfect being, there is also the possibility of just dying.