JAINA Pathshala Teachers/Educators Conference

Instilling Right Knowledge, Right Faith, and Right Conduct Among Jains of the 21st Century

First Quadrennial

JAINA Pathshala Teachers/Educators Conference

JAINA Proposed Curriculum For Pathshala

May 23-24, 1998

Boston - USA

Presented By:

Dr. Prenchand Gada

JAINA Education Committee Chairman

This curriculum was developed by the Jain Center of Greater Boston (JCGB) from the input provided by Toronto, Southern California LA, Detroit, Washington DC, Chicago, Boston, and Phoenix Jain Centers

Categories of topics

1. Prayers, Stuties, and Stavans

1. Sutras (Memorization of Sutras necessary to Perform a Samayik

• Learn to Perform a Samayik
• Learn to Perform a Pratikraman

1. Jain Philosophy

1. Jain Rituals

• What to Do in the Jain Deharaser/Temple (Study of Jain Rituals)
• Jain Festivals and Celebrations (e.g., Mahavir Jayanti, Pratishata, Shanti Snatra)
• How to Perform Chaitya Vandan in Deharaser
• Learn to Perform Dev Guru Shastra Puja
• Learn to Perform Ashtha Prakari Puja

1. Observation of Jain Spiritual Days (e.g., Paryushana, Navpad Oli, Varshitap)

1. Jain Institutions (e.g., Sthanaks, Ayambil Shala, Upashrya, Dharmashala, Free Clinics)

1. History of Jainism

• Study of Life History of Jain Tirthankaras
• Jain Stories & History of Great Jain Personalities
• History of Jainism and Jain Sects

1. Practice of Jainism in Daily Life

1. Social Responsibilities

1. Jainism and its interrelation With Ecology, Environment, and Bio-Diversity

1. Projects

• Color Books, Dot to Dot, Alphabet Books (JAINA Books)
• Arts Projects For Children in Pathshala
• Skit, Drama and Other Projects
• Promoting Vegetarianism
• Prevention of Animal Cruelty
• Promoting Anti-Fur Awareness

1. Learning of Devnagiri Script

1. Parents Responsibilities

The Pathshala Curriculum

Level 1 (Age 4-6, Preschool to First Grade)

Prayers and Stuties

1. Namaskar Mantra

1. Panchindiya

1. Khamasamana Sutra

1. Chhatari Mangalyam

1. Khamemi Savve Jiva

1. Sarva Mangalay Mangalam

1. Names of 24 Tirthankar

1. Know the Symbols of Tirthankaras

1. Other Prayers Specific to Teachers Recommendations

What to Do in The Jain Deharaser (Temple) and Proper Conduct in Deharaser

History of Jainism - Life History of Lord Mahavir

1. Mahavir Jayanti Celebrations

1. Dreams of Tirthankara’s Mother (Names and Pictures)

Jain Philosophy

1. Introduction to Non-Violence

1. Introduction to Punya and Sin

1. Introduction to Living and Non-Living Things (Jiv and Ajiv)

1. Food Groups Based on Jain Practices

1. Sadhu/Sadhvi/Upshraya/Shtanak/

1. Introduce Jain Glossary; E.G., Tirthankar, Shravak, Sadhvi, Moksha, Atama, Etc.

Activities - JAINA Prepared Books

1. Dot to Dot Book

1. Coloring Books

1. Alphabets Part - 1

1. Jain Lessons - 1

Practices in Daily Life Based On Jainism

1. Jain Greetings, “Jai Jinedra”

1. Food and Warm Clothes Donations For Homeless

1. Donation to Temple

1. Beautify Temple

1. Do Not Waste Any Food

1. Do Not Waste Water; e.g., Do Not Take a Long Shower, do not let water run while brushing your teeth

1. Try Not to Hurt Any Living Things, including Vegetation and plants.

Observation of Spiritual Days - Paryushana and Das Lakshana

1. Teachers Will Provide a List of Things to do During These Days

Personal Responsibilities

1. Limit Watching of TV (Maximum 6- 8 Hours per week)

1. Respect For Teachers, Parents, and Elderly

1. Use of Polite and Well Mannered Spoken Language

1. Participate in Sports

The Pathshala Curriculum

Level 2 (Age 7-9, Second Grade to Fourth Grade)

Stuties and Prayers

(Each center may develop its own set of prayers and stuties and all those should be memorized. These prayers and stuties should be sung together before each pathshala session. Group singing should be an integral part of the pathshala. The following are some of the suggested stuties)

1. Memorize All Level 1 Stuties and Prayers

1. Darshanam Deva Devasya

1. Mangalam Bhagavan Veero

1. Virah Sarva Sura Surendra Mahito

1. Learn to Read and Sing Darshan Path

1. Upasaraga Kshayam Yanti

1. Two -Three Stanzas From Bhaktambar Sutra

1. Recite Aarti and Mangal Deevo From Book

What to Do in The Jain Deharaser (Temple) and Proper Conduct in Deharaser

Learn How to Perform Puja according to the Practices Accepted by Your Parents

Sutras

1. Know All Sutras Taught in Level 1

1. Guru Vandan Sutra (Tikkhuto Sutra)

1. Iriya Vahia Sutra

1. Tassa Uttari Sutra

1. Annath Sutra

1. Learn to Read Loggas Sutra

1. Learn Meaning of All Sutras

1. Enlarge the Knowledge of Jain Glossary and Terms

Life History of Tirthankaras

1. More Detailed History of Lord Mahavir

1. History of Lord Aadinath

Jain Philosophy

1. Five Senses - Classification of Living Things

1. Five Great Vratas

1. Know Jain Symbols

1. Five Auspicious Events in Tirthankara’s Life

1. Basic Understanding of Karma Theory

JAINA Prepared Materials

1. Alphabets Part - II

1. Jain Lessons - II

1. Jain Stories Part - I

1. Jain Skits

Practices Based On Jainism

1. Vegetarian Diet

1. Learn to do Navkarvali

1. Give Up TV and Radio at Least Three to Four Days per Month

1. Food and Warm Clothes Donations For Homeless

1. Donation to Temple

1. Beautify Temple

1. Do Not Waste Any Food

1. Do Not Waste Water (e.g., Do Not Take a Long Shower, do not let water run while brushing your teeth)

1. Try Not to Hurt Any Living Things, including Vegetation.

Story Books (With Pictures) Published By Jaina

1. Read All Story Books, One Book Per Every Session

Observation of Spiritual Days - Paryushana and Das Lakshana

1. Teachers Will Provide a List of Things to do During These Days

Personal Responsibilities

1. Limit Watching of TV (Maximum 6- 8 Hours per week)

1. Respect For Teachers, Parents, and Elderly

1. Use of Polite and Well Mannered Spoken Language

1. Participate in Sports

The Pathshala Curriculum

Level 3 (Age 9-12, Fourth to Seventh Grade)

Stuties and Prayers

(Each Center May Develop Its Own Set of Prayers and Stuties and All Those Should Be Memorized. These Prayers and Stuties Should Be Sung together Before Each Pathshala Session. Group Singing Should Be An integral Part of The Pathshala. The Following Are Some of The Suggested Prayers)

1. Memorize All Level 1 and 2 Stuties and Prayers

1. Memorize Three - Four More Stanzas From Bhaktambar Sutra

1. Memorize Two - Three Stanzas From Bruhad Shanti Sutra

1. Learn to Read and Sing Fluently The Darshan Path

1. Learn to Read and Sing Baarah Bhavna

1. Memorize Aarti and Mangal Deevo

1. Learn to Read Panch -Parameshthi Ki Aarti

1. Know The Meaning of All Prayers and Stuties

Jain Deharaser Rituals

1. Nissihi, Pradakshina, Etc.

2. Introduction of Ashtaprakari Puja or Other Puja According to the Practices Accepted by Your Parents

Sutras

1. Know All Sutras Taught in Levels 1 and 2

1. Learn Meaning of All Sutras Taught in Levels 1 and 2

1. Loggas Sutra

1. Karemi Bhante Sutra

1. Learn Samayya Vayijutto

1. Learn to Read Namutthunam

Life History of Tirthankaras

1. History of Parshavanath and Neminath

Jain Philosophy

1. The Rattan Trayi - Three Jewels

1. Auspicious Events in Tirthankara’s Life

1. Four Type of Kashaya

1. Notion of “God” According to Jainism

1. Jain Four Fold Orders

1. Know Titles of Jain Sadhus (Acharya, Upadhaya)

1. Know 18 Papa Sthanakas

1. Fourteen Dreams interpretations

1. Introduction to Karma Theory

1. Enlarge Jain Glossary and Terms

Jain Essentials (Don’t Get Mixed Up With Rituals)

1. Explanation of Samayik and Pratikraman

1. Explanation of Chaitya Vandan

Observation of Spiritual Days - Paryushana and Das Lakshana

1. Understand the significance of these days

1. Teachers Will Provide a List of Things to do During These Days

Practices Based On Jainism (Practice of Right Conduct)

1. Maintain All Practices Learned in Levels 1 and 2

1. Understand Physical Tapas; e. g., Chauvihars, Navkarsi, Upvas Etc.,

1. Practice of Chauvihars and Navkarsi

1. Further Emphasize On Vegetarian Diet

1. Vegetarian Diet and Contribution to Environment and Ecology

1. Practice of Vratas (give up certain diet on certain days, e. g., do not eat kandmools, underground grown vegetables, 2 -3 times a month)

1. Give Up TV and Radio Two - Three Days per Month

1. Appreciate the Strong Bond Between Jainism and Ecology

Story Books (With Pictures) Published By Jaina

1. Read All Stories From Jain Education Stories 8 By Jaina; Two Stories Per Session.

Jain History

1. Know All Major Places of Pilgrimage and Their Significance.

Meditation

1. Learn Navakar Jap with and without Navkarvali (5 minutes in each class). Also, practice everyday.

The Pathshala Curriculum

Level 4 (Age 12-14, Seventh to Ninth Grade)

Stuties and Prayers

(Each Center May Develop Its Own Set of Prayers and Stuties and All Those Should Be Memorized. These Prayers and Stuties Should Be Sung together Before Each Pathshala Session. Group Singing Should Be An integral Part of The Pathshala. The Following Are Some of The Suggested Prayers)

1. Memorize All Level 1, 2, and 3 Stuties and Prayers

1. Read and Sing Fluently The Darshan Path

1. Read and Sing Baarah Bhavna

1. Memorize Aarti and Mangal Deevo

1. Memorize Panch -Parameshthi Ki Aarti

1. Know The Meaning of All Prayers and Stuties

1. Memorize Three - Four More Stanzas From Bhaktambar Sutra

1. Memorize Two - Three More Stanzas From Bruhad Shanti Sutra

Jain Deharaser Rituals

1. Know How to Perform Ashta Prakari Puja

1. Learn and Understand Dev Shastra Guru Puja

1. Jain Celebrations (e.g., Pratishta, Siddhachakra Pujan)

Sutras

1. Memorize All Sutras Taught in Levels 1, 2, and 3

1. Learn The Meaning of All Sutras Taught in Levels, 1, 2 and 3

1. Learn Namuthnam

1. Learn to Fluently Read All Other Sutras For Samayik and Chaitya Vandan

Jain Essentials (Don’t Get Mixed Up With Rituals)

1. Learn How to Perform A Samayika

1. Learn How to Perform Chaitya Vandan

Jain Philosophy

1. Introduction to Karma Theory

1. Six Types of internal Austerities

1. Six Types of External Austerities

1. Samitis and Guptis

1. Twelve Vows For Layman

1. Twelve Bhavnas (12 Spiritual Desires)

1. Know Six Essentials

1. Know Jain institutions (e.g., Upashraya, sthanak,)

1. Enlarge Jain Glossary and Terms

Practices Based On Jainism

1. Maintain All Practices Learned in Levels 1, 2, 3, and 4.

1. Know Jain Calendar (Understand Tithis and make it a part of your calendar for Jainism Practices suggested in Item 1).

1. Understand and Practice Auspicious Days (e.g., Navapad Oli, Jnan Panchami, Kartik Purnima)

Observation of Spiritual Days - Paryushana and Das Lakshana

1. Understand the significance of these days

1. Teachers Will Provide a List of Things to do During These Days

Jain History

1. Know The Major Jain Acharyas and Their Important Scriptures; E.G. Umaswati, Kund Kundaacharya, Hemchnadracharya, Etc.

2 Know 63 Great Personalities and 16 Satis

Projects

1. Promote vegetarianism

2. Raise your voice against animal cruelty

3. Practice recycling and environment protection

4. Write articles in news papers on the above listed topics

Meditation

1. Learn Navakar Jap with and without Navkarvali (5 minutes in each class). Also, practice it everyday.

2. Know and practice Yoga as taught by your teacher.

Jain Story Book

1. Read One or Two Stories From Manubhai Doshi’s Book

The Pathshala Curriculum

Level 5 (High School Students)

Stuties and Prayers

(Each Center May Develop Its Own Set of Prayers and Stuties and All Those Should Be Memorized. These Prayers and Stuties Should Be Sung together Before Each Pathshala Session. Group Singing Should Be An integral Part of The Pathshala. The Following Are Some of The Suggested Prayers)

1. Memorize All Level 1, 2, 3, and 4 Stuties and Prayers

1. Read and Sing Fluently The Darshan Path

1. Learn to Read and Sing Baarah Bhavna

1. Learn to Read and Sing Meri Bhavana (My aspirations)

1. Memorize Aarti and Mangal Deevo

1. Memorize Panch -Parameshthi Ki Aarti

1. Readings of Alochana Path

1. Know The Meaning of All Prayers and Stuties

Jain Deharaser Rituals

1. Continue Learning How to Perform Ashta Prakari Puja

1. Continue Learning Dev Shastra Guru Puja

1. Know and Participate in Jain Celebrations (e.g., Pratishta, Siddhachakra Pujan)

Jain Essentials (Don’t Get Mixed Up With Rituals)

1. Learn How to Fluently Perform A Samayika

1. Learn How to Fluently Perform Chaitya Vandan

Jain Philosophy

1. Review From Levels 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5

1. The Six Substances

1. Nine Tattavas (detailed study of Ashrava, Samvar, and Nirjara)

1. Fourteen Gunasthanas

1. Detailed Study of Karma Philosophy

1. Know the other basic elements of Jainism; e.g., Time cycle, Leshya, Sanghana (instincts)

1. fundamentals of Anekantvad and Syadvadvad

1. Study of Atichars

1. Types of Yogas An Dhyan (Meditations)

9. Enlarge Jain Glossary and Terms

Practices Based On Jainism

1. Maintain All Practices Learned in Levels 1, 2, 3, and 4

1. Know Jain Panchang (Calendar) (Understand and observe Tithis based on your family practice)

1. Understand and Practice Auspicious Days (e.g.Navapad Oli, Jnnam Panchami, Kartik Purnima)

1. Never, Never, Never use drugs, not even once.

1. Stay away from anybody who even use drugs occasionally

1. Jainism and pre-martial sex

1. Jainism and leading a disciplined life (not necessarily without true enjoyment and fun)

1. Give up TV and radio on certain days each month

1. Perform at least one Samayik per month at home

Jain History

1. Know the major Jain literature by names

1. Know the works of great Jaina Acharyas, e.g., Umaswati, Kundkundacharya, Hemchnadracharys.

1. Know the history of different Jain sects in India and their similarities

Observation of Spiritual Days - Paryushana and Das Lakshana

1. Understand the significance of these days

1. Teachers Will Provide a List of Things to do During These Days

Projects and Social Responsibilities

1. Practice all items stated in Levels 1, 2, 3, and 4.

1. Promote vegetarianism among your friends

1. Lead an active role in promoting non-violence; e.g.. against animal cruelty, fur coats, preservation of wild life and bio-diversity, against insecticide and pesticides.

1. Practice and promote conservation of resources; e. g., participate in recycling projects

1. Occasionally teach lower level pathshala classes

The Pathshala Curriculum

Level 6 (College School Students)

Study of Tattvarth Sutra

Translation by: Nathmal Tatia

NOTE: If you have never attended Pathshala program or have received some Jain education, please consult with a knowledgeable Pathshala teacher or a Jain scholar to find out the pre-requisite readings.

This book also contains a brief history of Jain faiths and a brief discussion on the books of the Jain scriptures.

The Pathshala Curriculum

Adult Education

In preparation

List of References

1. Balbodh Pathmala Part 1, Dr.Bharil

1. Balbodh Pathmala Part 2, Dr.Bharil

1. Balbodh Pathmala Part 3, Dr.Bharil

1. Studies in Jainism - Reader 1, Dr. Dulit Jain (Jain Study Circle)

1. Studies in Jainism - Reader 2, Dr. Dulit Jain (Jain Study Circle)

1. Studies in Jainism - Reader 3, Dr. Dulit Jain (Jain Study Circle)

1. Primer of Jainism - Level I, Dr. Rati Dodhia, (JainCenter of Greater Boston)

1. Primer of Jainism - Level II, Dr. Rati Dodhia, (JainCenter of Greater Boston)

1. Primer of Jainism - Level III, Dr. Rati Dodhia, (JainCenter of Greater Boston)

1. Vitrag Vignan Pathmala, Part I

1. Vitrag Vignan Pathmala, Part II

1. Vitrag Vignan Pathmala, Part III

1. A Short Reader to Jain Doctrines, Hemchand Jain

1. An Introduction to Jainism, Dr. Bharat Shah

1. Guidelines to Jainism, Munishri Bhadrabhau Vijay

1. Jain Lessons I, Jain Education Series - 4, by JAINA

1. Jain Lessons II, Jain Education Series - 6, by JAINA

1. Jain Lessons Level 3, by JAINA

1. Jain Lessons Level 4, by JAINA

1. Essence of Jainism, Manubhai Doshi

1. Pratikramana Sutra, Munishri Nirvan Sagar

1. Chaitya Vandan, Manubhai Doshi

1. Samayika, Manubhai Doshi

1. Shri Samayika Sutra, Girish Muni

1. Aloyana (Pratikraman), JAINA

1. Rituals, Prepared By the Youths of the Jain Center of Greater Boston

1. Gossary of Jaina Terms, Dr. N.L. Jain

1. A Treatise on Jainism, J.S. Sanghvi

1. Primary Principles of Jainism, Harendra Shah (JAINA/JCGB)

1. Esseyes on Jainism, Pravin Shah

1. Jain Prayers Books (The Jain Centers of Greater Boston, Rochester, Cincinnati etc.)

1. Code of Conduct, Manubhai Doshi

1. Jain Story Book, Manubhai Doshi (JAINA/JCGB)

1. Pratikraman, JAINA

1. Tatvarth Sutra Translation, “That What Is”, by Nathmal Tatia

(This book has not been included as a specific reference in this list of references)

36. JAINA Books for Preschool and Children in Grade 1

1