Introduction

Contemplative studies as an interdisciplinary field may be approached with a variety of academic methods including those of the humanities, the social sciences, and the natural sciences. This chapter represents an effort to dispel the standard association of contemplative practices exclusively with quietude. It finds that Jain contemplative practices seek to interface with pan-yogic practices such that shared contemplative practices can be employed and understood to affirm the fundamentals of Jain Dharma. The chapter shows the importance of Jain bhakti practices and emotive states to be valued and cultivated such as veneration, faith, energy and strength. However, all ideals inevitably must make allowances for the pragmatic, and perhaps this is what Jain goddess worship represents. Thus, Kuchuk shows how goddess worship in Jain Dharma effectively creates an important bridge between a world and that of the ultimate spiritual destination, integrating “the transcendent and the mundane”.