Introduction: Jainism, Adaptation, and Resilience

Abstract Inspired by the resilience shown by Jain communities during the global COVID -19 pandemic, this special issue focuses on the processes of change, challenge, and adaptation throughout Jain history. In this introductory article to the issue, we consider the ways in which Jain Studies can – and should – engage with these processes. We begin by acknowledging the existing search for a “core” Jain tradition, within both Jain communities and earlier scholarship. We, then, highlight developments within Jain Studies toward recognizing the variation of Jain practice and beliefs. We argue that much of this variation reflects how Jains have skillfully navigated challenging circumstances, enabling thereby the continuity of the minority tradition. In the final part of the article, we outline the structure of this issue which is organized into three sections: the first addressing lay and mendicant conduct, the second considering texts as sites of contestation, and the third exploring the consensus-building quality of literature.