King Megharath's dilemma is not so uncommon. For example, I think of all the times I've diligently moved spiders out of the house
and into the yard. I thought they were starving! Eventually, I learned that many spiders
living indoors are happily adjusted to human structures and, indeed, cannot survive
outside. Did I do more harm than good? Perhaps the other insects in my home were happy
to be rid of a predator. When we try to practice nonviolence, the world offers us
no shortage of ambiguous situations.
The Bhagwan Adinath Animal Humanities Initiative is a space to explore these ambiguities. We meet with participants who have, in a
variety of ways, dedicated themselves to animal welfare. These include wildlife rehabilitators,
animal sanctuary care providers, veterinerarians, and others.
Our project takes inspiration from traditional Jain teachings related to the establishment
of panjaparoles , or animal sanctuaries. As Jonathan Dickstein writes : "The common Jain practice of jīvadayā , or compassion (dayā ) towards sentient beings (jīva ), signifies providing animals with food, water, shelter, and medical care in circumstances
where they would otherwise be deprived. The animal sanctuary (panjrapole ) is thus—alongside vegetarianism or veganism—an example of compassion-in-action."
Via conversations with participants, we learn about many different paths toward the
enactment of compassion. Listening to their experiences, and collecting their stories,
we explore together the everyday ups and downs of trying to put nonviolence into practice.
Our current participant communities include:
DFW Wildlife Rescue Networks | Here we feature stories of volunteers in the Dallas–Fort Worth area who dedicate
their time, energy, and resources to helping animals in need.Microsanctuary Resource Center | These stories feature recipients of grants from the Microsanctuary Resource Center
who volunteer their time and space to support those animals who aren’t usually seen
as “companions,” such as rescued farm animals.Luvin Arms Animal Sanctuary | These stories feature volunteers at the Luvin Arms Animal Sanctuary in Colorado,
a farm animal sanctuary founded on the Jain value of ahiṃsā.
If you know of, or are part of, a community that you think should be featured in the
Bhagwan Adinath Animal Humanities Intiative, contact the Director of Jain Studies at UNT.
Image credit: "Hawk Conservancy Trust, Andover " by MarilynJane is licensed under CC BY 2.0 .
University of North Texas 
