Spiritual Warriors: (Non)Violence in the Sikh and Jain Traditions

This exhibition is no longer on display at the William H. Hannon Library. This post has been preserved for historical purposes.

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Stop by level 3 of the library to explore how Jains and Sikhs live as “spiritual warriors” through their competing and complementary narratives of violence and nonviolence. The Jain practices of ahimsa (nonviolence) and Sikh practices of seva (selfless service) promote equality, care for and protection of all others through conquering self-centered desires and behavior. However they differ in their approaches, with Jain monks and nuns avoiding harm to others at all costs while Sikhs have historically been warriors ready to defend those in need against injustice. Through the artifacts and images on display, you can see how the lived spiritual practices of Jains and Sikhs offer dynamic examples of ethical engagement with all life.

If you are interested in learning more, check out the upcoming conference hosted by LMU’s Theological Studies department and the Uberoi Foundation. More details below.

Ahimsa – Nonviolence (Thursday, February 23, 7 p.m.)
Keynote: Indian Cabinet Minister Maneka Sanjay Gandhi
Virchand Gandhi Memorial Lecture: Dr. Sulekh C. Jain

Maneka Sanjay Gandhi is an Indian Cabinet Minister, animal rights activist, environmentalist, and politician for women and children. Dr. Sulekh Jain is an engineer, scholar and Jain advocate, author of An Ahimsa Crisis: You Decide

Revolutionary Love with Valarie Kaur (Friday, February 24, 7 p.m.)

Valarie Kaur is an award-winning filmmaker, civil rights lawyer, media commentator, Sikh activist and interfaith leader who uses storytelling for social change.

For more information, go to the LMU Yoga Studies events page.