Engaged Jain Studies Podcast

In this episode of the Engaged Jain Studies Podcast, Arihanta Institute professor Jonathan Dickstein, PhD interviews professor, French literary scholar, and historian of vegetarianism, Renan Larue, PhD about his academic journey and his insights into ancient Western philosophy’s perspectives on meat consumption and anthropocentrism. Dr. Larue recounts his teenage epiphany after reading Ovid’s Metamorphoses and explains how historical Western thought has influenced contemporary views on animal ethics.

EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS

• Personal Journey: Larue's early experiences and shift to vegetarianism.
• Philosophical Perspectives: How Western philosophy has shaped views on animal exploitation.
• Advocacy Challenges: Navigating modern vegan advocacy within entrenched social norms.

Subscribe for more insightful episodes!

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES & LINKS

• Renan Larue | Department of French and Italian | UCSB
• Course 1017 | Beasts & Beliefs: Animals & the Origins of Vegetarianism in the Ancient West
• Arihanta Institute | Ancient Wisdom for Modern Living
• Vegan Studies Initiative @ Arihanta Institute | Courses, Speaker Series, Research & More!

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ABOUT OUR PODCAST GUEST

Renan Larue is a professor, French literary scholar, and historian of vegetarianism. He is the author of six books on animal rights, vegetarianism or veganism, including Le végétarisme et ses ennemis (Presses Universitaires de France, 2015), a history of vegetarianism from Pythagoras until the modern day. The French Academy awarded it Best Book of the year in Moral Philosophy. More recently, he published Anthologie végane: 100 textes essentiels (Presses Universitaires de France, 2023). In 2016, he offered the first course in Vegan Studies in the United States at the University of California, Santa Barbara.

ABOUT OUR PODCAST HOST

Dr. 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

In this episode of the Engaged Jain Studies Podcast, Arihanta Institute professor Jonathan Dickstein, PhD interviews Pratt Institute political economist Jan Dutkiewicz, PhD. Professor Dutkiewicz shares his journey from business and journalism to the academic study of the politics, economics, and social implications of factory farming. The conversation also touches on the importance of law, personal habits, and social norms in fostering systemic change for a better world.

EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS

• Factory Farming & Cheap Meat: An in-depth look at the factors enabling the rise of industrial animal farming.
• Just and Sustainable Food Systems: Insights into Dutkiewicz's forthcoming book and his work on rethinking food systems.
• Vox Contributions: Highlights of his articles on animal farming and food systems for Vox.

Professor Dutkiewicz is also teaching an upcoming live 4-week online course for Arihanta Institute's Vegan Studies Initiative, October 7 - November 1, 2024: "Feeding the World: Toward a Plant-Based Food System."

Listen, subscribe, and stay tuned for more insightful episodes!

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES & LINKS

• Arihanta Institute | Ancient Wisdom for Modern Living
• Course 1016 | Feeding the World: Toward a Plant-Based Food System
• Jan Dutkiewicz | Website
• Vegan Studies Initiative @ Arihanta Institute | Courses, Speaker Series, Research & More!

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ABOUT OUR PODCAST GUEST

Jan Dutkiewicz, PhD

Jan Dutkiewicz is Assistant Professor in the School of Social Science and Cultural Studies at the Pratt Institute and a Contributing Writer at Vox. He has written about the politics of food for The New Republic, The Guardian, The Washington Post, WIRED and The Wall Street Journal.

ABOUT OUR PODCAST HOST

Jonathan Dickstein, PhD, Assistant Professor at Arihanta Institute

Dr. 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

In this episode of the Engaged Jain Studies Podcast, Christopher Jain Miller, PhD interviews Professor Venu Mehta, PhD from Claremont School of Theology. Dr. Mehta discusses her background as a Jain from Gujarat, where she earned her first PhD in literature and humanities before completing a second PhD at the University of Florida.

• Academic Journey: Insights into Professor Mehta's academic path and her dual expertise in literature and Jain studies.
• Research on Padmavati: An exploration of her exciting research on the Jain goddess Padmavati.
• Teaching and Impact: A look into the courses she teaches in the MA - Engaged Jain Studies program, the transformative experiences of her students, and her perspective on what "engaged" Jainism means.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES & LINKS

• Arihanta Institute | Ancient Wisdom for Modern Living
• About: Venu Mehta - Claremont School of Theology
• Learn More: Master of Arts - Engaged Jain Studies - Now accepting applications! Scholarships available.

Gain a valuable perspective from a rising scholar in Engaged Jain Studies, an emerging sub-discipline developed through collaboration between CST and Arihanta Institute.

Subscribe and stay tuned for more insightful episodes!

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ABOUT OUR PODCAST GUEST

Venu Mehta, PhD, Professor at Claremont School of Theology

Venu Mehta is a scholar of Jainism. Her present research focuses on the devotional practices, literature, and iconography of the Jaina Goddess Padmāvatī, with special attention to vernacular and regional forms of devotion and goddesses in Jainism. Her areas of scholarship in Jain Studies include Jain religious diaspora and sectarian negotiations in the USA, Jainism and ecology, Jain bhakti literature and practices in Gujarat, Jaina theory of Anekāntavāda, and Jaina notion of forgiveness.

Her academic background, including research and training in education and literature, led to her first Ph.D. in multiculturalism and literature education. In her first Ph.D. project, she focused on developing theory, methods, and in-class materials to orient learners towards multiculturalism using literature at the higher secondary level.

ABOUT OUR PODCAST HOST

Christopher Miller, PhD, Professor at Arihanta Institute

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).

Copyright 2026 Arihanta Institute

"Veganism is not a diet. Veganism is not a lifestyle. Veganism is, and must be, a social justice movement, in solidarity with other social justice movements. There is no more time for nonsense." -- WinforAnimals.org

In this episode of the Engaged Jain Studies Podcast, Arihanta Institute professor Jonathan Dickstein, PhD interviews Mercer University professor Vasile Stanescu, PhD about his research and work on effective animal liberation and his new online course for Arihanta Institute's Vegan Studies Initiative: "Debunking the Myth of Sustainable & Humane Animal Agriculture."

• Path to Veganism: Dr. Stanescu shares his journey to veganism and his dedication to animal studies.
• Exposing Myths: A critical examination of the false claims of "humane" and "sustainable" animal agriculture, including marketing terms like "free-range," "pasture-raised," "local," and "family-owned."
• Empowering Resistance: Strategies for recognizing and resisting misleading narratives in animal agriculture.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES & LINKS

• Arihanta Institute | Ancient Wisdom for Modern Living
• Course 1015 | Debunking the Myth of Sustainable and Humane Animal Agriculture
• WinForAnimals.org | Vasile Stanescu Website
• Vegan Studies Initiative @ Arihanta Institute | Courses, Speaker Series, Research & More!

Join us for an enlightening discussion on the realities of animal agriculture and how to advocate for true sustainability.

Listen, subscribe, and stay tuned for more insightful episodes!

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ABOUT OUR PODCAST GUEST

Vasile Stanescu, PhD, Associate Professor of Communication Studies at Mercer University 

Dr. Vasile Stanescu received his Ph.D. from Stanford University in the program of Modern Thought and Literature. He is an Associate Professor of Communication Studies at Mercer University. Dr. Stanescu is the co-founder and former co-Senior Editor of the Critical Animal Studies Book Series published by Brill/Rodopi Press, and a co-founder of the North American Association for Critical Animal Studies (NAACAS). He has also served on the editorial collective for the Journal for Critical Animal Studies and co-organized the Stanford Environmental Humanities Project. He is currently a member of the Climate Social Science Network (CSSN) based out of Brown University.

A pioneer in the field of Critical Animal Studies, Dr. Stanescu has over 25 peer-reviewed publications on the study of animals and the environment. His work has been featured in journals such as the American Behavioral Scientist, The Journal of American Culture, Animal Studies Journal, and the Journal for Critical Animal Studies. His research has been recognized by numerous institutions, including The Woods Institute for the Environment, Minding Animals International, The Andrew Mellon Foundation, the Culture and Animals Foundation, the Institute for Critical Animal Studies, and the Institutul Cultural Român. A committed advocate for animal liberation, Dr. Stanescu has been vegan for over 20 years.

ABOUT OUR PODCAST HOST

Jonathan Dickstein, PhD, Assistant Professor at Arihanta Institute

Dr. 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

In this episode of the Engaged Jain Studies Podcast, Professor Christopher Jain Miller interviews Dr. Pratik Bhansali and Vinita Dugad from the Jain Vegan Initiative. They discuss their backgrounds as Jains advocating for veganism and sustainable lifestyles within the Jain community.

• Backgrounds in Advocacy: Vinita and Pratik share their journey as Jains promoting veganism and sustainability.
• New Course Overview: Insights into their new course, "Reimagining Sustainability: Jain Environmental Advocacy," which focuses on sustainable living principles.
• Practical Sustainability: Practical advice on how Jains and non-Jains can adopt more environmentally sustainable lifestyles, emphasizing the urgency for both individual and collective action to ensure a better future for all life forms.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES & LINKS

• Arihanta Institute | Ancient Wisdom for Modern Living
• The Jain Vegan Initiative | Facebook
• The Jain Vegan Initiative | Instagram
• Beyond Vegetarianism: Jain Veganism and the Promotion of Ahiṃsā | Course: 102 - Arihanta Institute
• Reimagining Sustainability: Jain Environmental Advocacy | Course: 106 - Arihanta Institute
• 40+ Self-paced Online Courses | Jainism, Veganism, Animal Advocacy, Climate Change, Yoga, Professional Ethics, Social Justice
• Subscribe to the Arihanta Institute Newsletter

Join us for an inspiring discussion on integrating Jain principles with contemporary environmental challenges.

Subscribe and stay tuned for more enlightening episodes!

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ABOUT OUR PODCAST GUESTS

Pratik Bhansali is a PhD in Mechanical Engineering. He thinks taking a stand against any form of discrimination is something that forms basic decency. This stand should encompass all animals – humans and non-humans, and being a vegan is a mere logical consequence of this stand. He also sees the interconnections between all forms of oppression and their links with animals and their rights.

Vinita Dugad embarked on her sustainable lifestyle journey at a young age when she recognized that the excessive and long-lasting impact of our consumption patterns is convenience driven. Through her observation of human behaviour in relation to the environment, she realized that societal pressures to conform are a major hurdle in making sustainable choices. She emphasizes that previous generations hold plenty of valuable solutions and innovation is not always necessary. As she noticed that many solutions being promoted prioritize profits, making them unaffordable for the majority, Vinita founded Ecomo, a startup dedicated to addressing this, while also raising awareness about greenwashing practices. She also has a keen interest in exploring how the hospitality and tourism sectors can step in to foster environmental responsibility.

ABOUT OUR PODCAST HOST

Christopher Miller, PhD, Professor at Arihanta Institute

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).

Copyright 2026 Arihanta Institute

In this episode of the Engaged Jain Studies Podcast, we speak to Arihanta Institute's Professor Cogen Bohanec, MA, PhD. Dr. Bohanec discusses his journey into Jain Studies, influenced by his broader practice of yoga, his study of Sanskrit, and his academic exploration of dharma traditions.

• Path to Jain Studies: Dr. Bohanec shares his academic and personal journey, highlighting the pivotal role of yoga and Sanskrit in his studies. The significance of Sanskrit in Jain Studies and Yoga Studies is examined, emphasizing its academic and practical applications.
• Courses at Arihanta Institute: Insights into the graduate and certificate-level courses Dr. Bohanec teaches, offering a comprehensive look at the curriculum.
• Publications Preview: A sneak peek into Professor Bohanec's new book, Bhakti Ethics, Emotions, and Love in Gauḍīya Vaiṣṇava Metaethics, and his co-edited volume Engaged Jainism: Critical and Constructive Approaches to the Study of Jain Social Engagement.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES & LINKS

• Yoga in Jainism Conference 2024
• Learn More: Master of Arts - Engaged Jain Studies - Now accepting applications! Scholarships available.
• 40+ Self-paced Online Courses | Jainism, Veganism, Animal Advocacy, Climate Change, Yoga, Professional Ethics, Social Justice
• Subscribe to the Arihanta Institute Newsletter

Join us for an enriching discussion that explores the intersection of language, philosophy, and spiritual practice in Jain Studies.

Subscribe and stay tuned for more enlightening episodes!

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ABOUT OUR PODCAST GUEST

Cogen Bohanec, MA, PhD, Assistant Professor at Arihanta Institute

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 Studies from GTU, where his research emphasized ancient Indian languages, literature, and philosophical systems. He also holds an MA in Buddhist Studies from the Institute of Buddhist Studies at GTU where his research primarily involved translations of Pāli Buddhist scriptures in conversation with the philology of the Hindu Upaniṣads. He is the author of “Bhakti Ethics, Emotions and Love in Gauḍīya Vaiṣṇava Metaethics” (Lexington, 2024), an interdisciplinary study that frames traditional Hindu themes of ecotheology, ecofeminist theology, feminist care ethics, within a framework of virtue ethics in conversation with a bhakti-based psychology of emotions. Currently he is largely engaged in publication and research on various aspects of the Jain tradition, emphasizing translations and analyses of Jain Sanskrit, Prakrit, and Gujarati texts, but is also publishing academic works on various topics within the Hindu tradition.

ABOUT OUR PODCAST HOST

Christopher Miller, PhD, Professor at Arihanta Institute

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).

Copyright 2026 Arihanta Institute

In this episode of the Engaged Jain Studies Podcast, Arihanta Institute professors Cogen Bohanec and Jonathan Dickstein discuss the emerging field of Vegan Studies and the recently launched Vegan Studies Initiative (VSI@AI) at Arihanta Institute.

• Defining Disciplines: Dr. Dickstein explores the distinctions and overlaps among Animal Studies, Critical Animal Studies, Food Studies, and Vegan Studies, emphasizing the interdisciplinary approach of Vegan Studies.
• Asking the BIG Questions: The conversation delves into ethical considerations, questioning why we should care about animals amidst human suffering, war, and caste-based oppression.
• VSI@AI: Learn about the innovative online program that promotes and enacts veganism as an expression of multispecies nonviolence.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES & LINKS

• Voices in Vegan Studies Speaker Series | May - Oct 2026
• Arihanta Institute | Ancient Wisdom for Modern Living
• Subscribe to the Arihanta Institute Newsletter
• Course 1014 | Jainism, Veganism, and Engaged Religion w/ Profs. Jonathan Dickstein & Christopher Jain Miller
• Vegan Studies Initiative @ Arihanta Institute | Courses, Speaker Series, Research & More!

Join us for an insightful and engaging discussion that underscores the significant role of Jain studies in dialogue with Vegan Studies and related contemporary fields of inquiry.

Subscribe and stay tuned for more enlightening episodes!

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ABOUT OUR PODCAST GUEST

Jonathan Dickstein, PhD, Assistant Professor at Arihanta Institute

Jonathan Dickstein is Assistant Professor of Jain Studies at Arihanta Institute and Visiting Assistant Professor of Religion at Claremont School of Theology. Jonathan specializes in South Asian Religions, Religion and Animals, and Comparative Ethics. He received his doctoral degree in Religious Studies from the University of California, Santa Barbara and his master’s degree in Religious Studies from the University of Colorado, Boulder. Jonathan has published in a wide array of interdisciplinary journals such as Religions, Philosophy East and West, Food Ethics, and Capitalism Nature Socialism. Jonathan’s current work focuses on Jainism and contemporary ecological issues, extending into Critical Animal Studies, Food Studies, and Diaspora Studies. He is also the academic lead for the Vegan Studies Initiative at Arihanta Institute. 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 OUR PODCAST HOST

Cogen Bohanec, MA, PhD, Assistant Professor at Arihanta Institute

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 Studies from GTU, where his research emphasized ancient Indian languages, literature, and philosophical systems. He also holds an MA in Buddhist Studies from the Institute of Buddhist Studies at GTU where his research primarily involved translations of Pāli Buddhist scriptures in conversation with the philology of the Hindu Upaniṣads. He is the author of “Bhakti Ethics, Emotions and Love in Gauḍīya Vaiṣṇava Metaethics” (Lexington, 2024), an interdisciplinary study that frames traditional Hindu themes of ecotheology, ecofeminist theology, feminist care ethics, within a framework of virtue ethics in conversation with a bhakti-based psychology of emotions. Currently he is largely engaged in publication and research on various aspects of the Jain tradition, emphasizing translations and analyses of Jain Sanskrit, Prakrit, and Gujarati texts, but is also publishing academic works on various topics within the Hindu tradition.

Copyright 2026 Arihanta Institute

In this episode of the Engaged Jain Studies Podcast, join Arihanta Institute Professors Jonathan Dickstein and Christopher Miller for a compelling discussion on their shared passions and professional journeys.

• A Fortuitous Meeting: Listen to the story of how Professors Dickstein and Miller first met at an airport during an academic conference, quickly discovering their mutual interests in yoga, Jainism, South Asian religions, veganism, animal advocacy, and social justice.
• Redefining the Practitioner: Explore how Dickstein and Miller are reinterpreting the concept of a "practitioner" as someone who actively addresses society's most pressing concerns, aligning with the core values of the Jain tradition.
• Personal and Professional Values: Learn about how their personal values of compassion and advocacy are deeply intertwined with their academic pursuits and teachings.
• Course Spotlight: Gain insights into their course "Jainism, Veganism, and Engaged Religion" at Arihanta Institute, where they delve into these topics in greater depth, offering students a comprehensive understanding of the interconnectedness of these fields.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES & LINKS

• Voices in Vegan Studies Speaker Series | May - Oct 2026
• Arihanta Institute | Ancient Wisdom for Modern Living
• Learn More: Master of Arts - Engaged Jain Studies - Now accepting applications! Scholarships available.
• Course 1014 | Jainism, Veganism, and Engaged Religion w/ Profs. Jonathan Dickstein & Christopher Jain Miller
• Vegan Studies Initiative @ Arihanta Institute | Courses, Speaker Series, Research & More!

Join us for an engaging conversation that highlights the significant role of Jain studies in contemporary issues and showcases the dedication of these scholars to promoting a more just and compassionate world.

Listen now to discover how Jain philosophy can inform and inspire modern advocacy and ethical practices.

Subscribe and stay tuned for more enlightening episodes!

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ABOUT OUR PODCAST GUEST

Jonathan Dickstein, PhD, Assistant Professor at Arihanta Institute

Jonathan Dickstein is Assistant Professor of Jain Studies at Arihanta Institute and Visiting Assistant Professor of Religion at Claremont School of Theology. Jonathan specializes in South Asian Religions, Religion and Animals, and Comparative Ethics. He received his doctoral degree in Religious Studies from the University of California, Santa Barbara and his master’s degree in Religious Studies from the University of Colorado, Boulder. Jonathan has published in a wide array of interdisciplinary journals such as Religions, Philosophy East and West, Food Ethics, and Capitalism Nature Socialism. Jonathan’s current work focuses on Jainism and contemporary ecological issues, extending into Critical Animal Studies, Food Studies, and Diaspora Studies. He is also the academic lead for the Vegan Studies Initiative at Arihanta Institute. 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 OUR PODCAST HOST

Christopher Miller, PhD, Professor at Arihanta Institute

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).

Copyright 2026 Arihanta Institute

In the premiere episode of the Engaged Jain Studies Podcast, host and podcast producer Taina Rodriguez-Berardi sits down with Christopher Miller, PhD, co-founder, Vice President of Academic Affairs, and Professor of Jain and Yoga Studies at Arihanta Institute. Together, they delve into the genesis, aims, and aspirations of this groundbreaking podcast.

• Defining Key Terms: Dr. Miller clarifies the practical differences between "engaged," "applied," and "embodied" studies of religion and spirituality, providing listeners with a foundational understanding of these concepts.
• Dr. Miller’s Unique Journey: From his beginnings as a public accountant to becoming a professor of Engaged Jain Studies and Modern Yoga, Dr. Miller shares his inspiring career transformation. Learn about his path to co-founding an innovative online institution for higher learning.
• The Podcast’s Vision: Discover the motivations behind the podcast and why it serves as a crucial resource for both Jains and non-Jains, as well as academics and general listeners interested in religious and spiritual studies.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES & LINKS

• Arihanta Institute | Ancient Wisdom for Modern Living
• Learn More: Master of Arts - Engaged Jain Studies - Now accepting applications! Scholarships available.
• 40+ Self-paced Online Courses | Jainism, Veganism, Animal Advocacy, Climate Change, Yoga, Professional Ethics, Social Justice
• Subscribe to the Arihanta Institute Newsletter
• Arihanta Institute YouTube Channel - For replays of our events, conferences, and Speaker Series, head to the Arihanta Institute Youtube Channel.

Join us as we explore the significant role of Engaged Jain Studies in contemporary discourse and why this podcast is set to become an essential listen for a diverse audience.

Listen now to gain insights into the vibrant world of Jain studies and the dynamic intersection of religion, spirituality, and modern academic inquiry.

Subscribe and stay tuned for more enlightening episodes!

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ABOUT OUR PODCAST GUEST

Christopher Miller, PhD, Professor at Arihanta Institute

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).

ABOUT OUR PODCAST HOST

Taina Rodriguez-Berardi, MBA, MA, Arihanta Institute

Taina Rodriguez-Berardi (she/her/hers) is a scholar-practitioner of Yoga’s history, philosophy, traditions, and Sanskrit texts. She earned an MA in Yoga Studies from Loyola Marymount University where her research focused on the historical origins, culture, and customs of transnational yoga systems at their intersection with contemporary social justice movements and advocacy communities.

Taina has also worked for more than 18-years as a marketing and communications executive in the tech, higher-education, and non-profit sectors, leading large international teams to drive corporate strategy and develop community-first approaches to marketing, public relations, and social media implementation. After earning her Master of Business Administration at San Diego State University, she melds her passion for Dharmic studies with her experience developing business strategy and brand marketing campaigns to mentor and consult with conscious businesses and social entrepreneurs who aspire to bring compassion and wellness to the masses.

Copyright 2026 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 Trailer .

The Engaged Jain Studies Podcast is brought to you by Arihanta Institute, an IRC 501(c)(3) nonprofit California Corporation. At Arihanta Institute, we bridge ancient wisdom with contemporary living through accessible, self-paced online courses, free events, and a first-of-its kind Master of Arts program in Engaged Jain Studies.

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.

Jai Jinendra!

Copyright 2026 Arihanta Institute