Ahiṃsā in Jainism: Ideals and Reality

Ass.-Prof. Dr. Yutaka Kawasaki, University Library, University of Tokyo

Öffentliche Vorlesung im Rahmen des Allgemeinen Vorlesungswesens

Ahiṃsā – Nonviolence in Global Perspective

A Hamburg–Kyoto Partnership
The project “Ahiṃsā – Nonviolence in Global Perspective” is a blended-learning initiative jointly developed by the Faculty of Humanities at the University of Hamburg and the Faculty of Letters at Kyoto University. It brings together scholars, students, and civic partners to explore nonviolence not merely as a religious ideal, but as a globally relevant ethical framework.

Rooted in South Asian traditions – especially Jainism and Buddhism – ahiṃsā has shaped debates on compassion, environmental ethics, food practices, social justice, and political resistance. The project builds on Hamburg’s long-standing research tradition in Jain and Buddhist Studies while extending it into a transdisciplinary and transcultural dialogue that connects classical philology with contemporary global challenges.

Designed as a student-centered format, the program integrates digital learning, collaborative research, and intercultural exchange. Students from Indology, Religious Studies, Philosophy, Peace and Conflict Studies, Environmental Humanities, and related fields are invited to engage actively in shaping a shared academic discourse between Germany and Japan.

mittwochs 8:15 – 9:45 Uhr oder 18:15 – 19:45 Uhr, Hauptgebäude, Edmund-Siemers-Allee 1, Flügel West, Raum 221

Koordination: Corinna May Lhoir, M.A., Asien-Africa-Institute, Numata Center for Buddhist Studies, University Hamburg