"Engaged Jainism Sitting on the Lotus of Engaged Buddhism: An Interdisciplinary Book Review Roundtable"

This roundtable session will convene scholars to review and discuss Engaged Jainism: Critical and Constructive Studies of Jain Social Engagement (SUNY). Comprised of an introduction and 17 contributor chapters, Engaged Jainism explores the application of methodologies from Engaged Buddhism, Yoga Studies, and other fields of academic inquiry to Jain Studies, while also emphasizing the interdisciplinary and cross-traditional significance of using “engaged” methodologies in religious studies. The session will feature reviews from scholars from the fields of Engaged Buddhism, Jain Studies, and Yoga Studies who will pose questions to the editors and contributors who will respond and discuss the editorial vision and broader implications of the volume for these fields. The session will conclude with Q&A and discussion, inviting audience engagement. By fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, this roundtable aspires to make a significant contribution to the academic study of religion using “engaged” methodologies, while simultaneously advancing a new paradigm in Jain Studies.