The symposium explores practical pathways to inner and outer peace and harmony through the teaching of Mahatma Gandhi and Jain and Hindu dharma traditions.
“Whether we believe in it or not, the universe is interested in the greater good of everybody. It’s the impulse of life which promotes the wellbeing from the smallest of seeds to the biggest of elephants. The only way to be connected to the music of life is to be interested in the greater good of the universe.” ~ Dr. Ravi Patel
The Department of Philosophy presents the Spring 2022 Jain and Hindu Symposium “Intricate Web of Life: Microorganisms to the Divine” at 4 p.m. Friday, April 22, in the North Gym.
On Feb. 18, Rev. James Lawson Jr. joined a Zoom gathering with Drs. Ravi and Naina Patel, community members, campus leaders, students and faculty from Fresno State as they announced the creation of the “M.K. Gandhi Center: Inner Peace and Sarvodaya.”
Dr. Honora Chapman, Dean of the College of Arts and Humanities and Dr. Veena Howard, professor of philosophy and the first Endowed Chair in Jain and Hindu Dharma, gave a brief presentation about the new chair and the importance of Jain and Hindu history, art, philosophies and traditions and their excitement about the upcoming programs at Fresno State at the 21st Biennial JAINA Convention.
On the evening of Oct. 10, 2019, Rev. James M. Lawson Jr. took the stage in the Satellite Student Union where he talked about his journey discovering Gandhi and his principles of non-violence and working with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. to build the civil rights movement in the United States. Through Gandhi’s philosophy, Lawson […]
Anyone familiar with Fresno State will recognize the Peace Garden, just north of the Henry Madden Library, as one of the most beautiful and serene places on campus. The statues begin with the larger than life head of Gandhi who gazes east at the depictions of those who have followed his legacy. With the Peace Garden’s location near the center of campus life, these ideals of civil rights and non-violence lie at the heart of Fresno State.
As the world celebrates the landmark birthday of Gandhi, the university will host a series of events to mark the occasion. All events are free and open to the public