JI
Aryan Culture
Jinamanjari
Vol. 24 · No. 02
Jinamanjari
Yasastilaka: An Ancient Jaina Story About Karma and Its Karmic Complexity
2001Vol. 24 · No. 02pp. 48–63
Dr.
Dr. Balabhadra Bruce Costain is a scholar, chaplain, and educator known for his work in Jain philosophy and ethics. 🧘♂️ Biography Born on April 25, 1944, Dr. Costain began practicing meditation in 1974 and delved into Eastern philosophies by 1976. His introduction to Jainism occurred in 1980 during a lecture in Toronto by Jain teacher Gurudev Shri Chitrabhanu. This pivotal moment led him to adopt a vegan lifestyle and embrace the principles of non-violence and unconditional love. In 1985, he was initiated as a Jain adherent and legally adopted the name "Balabhadra." He earned a B.A. in Psychology and a B.Ed. in 1981, followed by an M.A. in 1985 with a thesis titled Jainism: An Ethical Structure for Non-violent Action. He completed his Ph.D. in 1991 with a dissertation titled An Ethic of Unconditional Love as the Basis for Human Development. Dr. Costain has travelled extensively to deepen his understanding of religious and philosophical traditions, including journeys to Japan, South Korea, Thailand, and multiple visits to India. Since 1984, he has taught, lectured, and led workshops on Jainism across the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. In 2003, he became the first Jain in North America to be certified as a chaplain by the Association of Clinical Pastoral Education, serving in a major medical facility in Nashville, Tennessee. Currently residing in Nashville, Dr. Costain continues his work as an instructor, counsellor, lecturer, and writer, focusing on Applied and Theoretical Jainism and Pure Soul Meditation. 📚 Publications Dr. Costain has authored several works that explore Jain ethics and philosophy: • Applied Jainism: How to Make Decisions That Will Result in Increased Peacefulness, Happiness, and Love for Ourselves as Well as for Other Living Beings (2022) • Applied "Jainism": Two Papers Outlining How the Jaina View of Reality Helps to Make Decisions That Will Result in Increased Peacefulness, Happiness, and Love for Ourselves, as Well as for Other Living Beings (2003)