B U S I N E S S
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20th Anniversary Issue
Young Minds Y O U N G
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Welcome Message Dear YM Reader,
SAVE THE DATE! UPCOMING YJA EVENTS • February 19-21 — 5th Annual East Coast Ski Retreat
Jai Jinendra! This new year marks the 20th Anniversary for the Young Jains of America! Over the past twenty years, YJA has grown tremendously. From the time of its first convention in 1994 to the amazing times in 2010, YJA has accumulated over 4,000 members. Each year, throughout every region in North America, there are memorable retreats, successful national dinners and inspiring national service days that allow Jain youth to meet, connect and form life-long friendships with each other. For those youth who may not be able to attend our events, we further connect the youth through our in-house publication, YoungMinds (youngminds@yja.org). To continue this growth, our vision involves providing leadership opportunities and encouraging past members’ children to attend and eventually direct YJA. Furthermore, we will strive to make YJA more financially selfsustaining, by way of donations from the Jain community, so we can provide low-cost retreats and conventions for all Jain youth to enjoy. Here's to another twenty years of unforgettable memories! Sincerely,
Inside this Issue: Jainism 21st Century Post College
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Midwest Memories
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Jainism 21st Century High School
4
Reflection 20 Years
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Memoirs YJA Chair
6-7
Jain Mentorship
8
Can You Do It?
9 - 10
Sweet Tooth
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Accidental Experience
11-12
Poconos Retreat
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Jain or Hindu?
14-15
Jainism 21st Century College
16
YJA Through Time
17-18
Now and Then
19
Blast From the Past
20-23
Donate to YJA
24
Your 2010-2011 YJA Executive Board
PUBLICATION COMPLIED BY AMI MARU
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Jainism for the 21st Century - Post-College By Tejas Kadia
Jain dharma is more than an “-ism.� It is a scientific way of life with three core principles: non-violence (Ahimsa), nonabsolutism (Anekantavada), and non-possessiveness (Aparigraha). To me, Jain dharma is a way of life which is quite difficult to adhere to, but worth all the effort of progressing towards. It is incredibly empowering in its affirmation that all souls can reach moksha, a state of complete bliss, through its own efforts. As a public policy professional, Jain dharma reaffirms my beliefs on how we can improve the state of our world. Jain dharma offers a blueprint for an environmentally sound, cruelty-free, and economically vibrant world that we can help build in this 21st century. The Jain principle of nonviolence acknowledges the existence of a soul in all living beings, and is the moral basis
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for why Jains are vegetarians. But did you know that the production of vegetarian food is 10 times more energy efficient, and requires 10 times less land than meat production? Both are striking facts in a world which will have to feed 9 billion humans by 2050 while simultaneously tackling climate change. However, non-violence means more than being vegetarian; it also calls for us to treat all living beings that come in our path with kindness, compassion, and forgiveness. It is relatively easy to be a vegetarian, but it is these other aspects of non-violence which require us to be constantly mindful of our thoughts and actions. Non-violence in the Jain tradition is as much mental as it is physical. The Jain principle of non-absolutism states that reality is perceived differently from various viewpoints, and no single point of view is the complete truth. This is why Jain dharma requires respect for the views of others, encouraging harmony and dialogue with all faiths. This principle can be extended to all aspects of life. In an increasingly globalizing world with such diversity in belief
systems, political ideologies, cultures, skintones, and languages, the practice of nonabsolutism can mitigate conflict, and foster peace, harmony, understanding, and coexistence amongst the entire human race. The Jain principle of nonpossessiveness calls for a balancing of needs and desires and detachment from one’s possessions. In a consumption -driven world, it may often seem that the accumulation of wealth and material possessions is all that is valued. However, the principle of non-possessiveness shows that overconsumption and greed lead to unhappiness and attachment, and distract us from the spiritual path. In a planet with limited resources it also makes sense for everyone to rethink their consumption habits, and what possessions they truly need. Non-violence, nonpossessiveness, and nonabsolutism are important principles to be mindful of and keep into practice. They are also principles which if practiced by all, could help rid society of much of its woes. As young Jains, let us help realize that vision by leading through example!
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Jainism for the 21st Century - High School By Charmi Vakharia
“I was fascinated by the effect of the thought process in producing karmic results.”
As students, when we think about Jainism, we usually just associate it with Pathshala. However, we don’t realize that aspects of Jainism are present at all time. It is the sole basis of almost everything around us. For example, when we listen to the opinions of our friends, our teachers, and others, we are supporting the Jain Principle of Anekantvad or multiple points of view. Another aspect that has been a great influence on my life and childhood is Introspection. As a child, I was told the Jain story of King Prasannachandra, who became a monk. * * * King Shrenik saw the monk meditating nearby and decided to ask Mahavirswami about the destiny of the monk if he were to die at that moment. Mahavir Swami replied that the monk will be born in Hell. A few minutes later King Shrenik asked the same question and Mahavir Swami replied that the
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monk will be born in Heaven. King Shrenik was baffled by these answers. Mahavir Swami explained that even though the monk was practicing meditation he had overheard that his son was betrayed by his ministers who planned to overthrow and kill him. Therefore, the monk started to get angry. In the rage he mentally fought, the monk acquired a heavy amount of bad karma; but upon realizing these thoughts were wrong, he started to cool down and realized that he is no longer king, but a monk. He was ashamed of his thought process and began to repent. This immediate reflection and repentance led him to be born as a heavenly being. * * * I was fascinated by the effect of the thought process in producing karmic results. It is a chain reaction, where one thing leads to another. Our thought process is mainly controlled by attachment for loved ones and materialistic objects. This attachment results in the feeling of anger, resentment, and unhappiness. Anger results in a violent thought process and
the thought process is a catalyst in binding karma to soul. In order to reduce the effect of such karmic bondage, my family and I spend ten minutes every night to reflect upon our good and bad actions throughout the day. I would review my thoughts, my actions, and my conversations with others and mentally ask for forgiveness. This led to an even valuable result. As days went on, my “bad deeds” would diminish and my “good deeds” augmented. I also became more consciously aware of my thoughts and actions and learned to control my thought process and anger. This retrospection and audit of the day’s activities and resultant offer of regrets for all lapses and shortcomings also helped me in vigorously guarding against such future actions. This little daily routine along has made a huge impact on my life and my view of Jainism. As I grow older, Jainism becomes a greater part of my life and my thinking. I am glad that no matter what circumstances, I always have Jainism to support me.
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Reflecting on YJA 20 Years Later By Pavan Zaveri
“we were trekking into uncharted territory, had the gall to want to put together a youth convention run by the youth, for the youth and with only youth and break down any barriers to define ourselves as the new frontier of Jain leaders.”
Young Jains of America has accomplished much in the past 20 years, but that’s not what I am here to talk about. Where did YJA come from, what has YJA become and where can it go? At a JAINA Convention in Palo Alto, a group of youth gathered and within a couple months after the convention, out came rough guidelines of what an umbrella youth organization for Jains could be like. Over the next two years, several folks in Chicago took the lead to organize a small, but national youth camp scheduled for July 1994. However, when the 1993 JAINA Convention came together in Pittsburgh, a critical mass developed at a meeting that was called for youth interested in furthering the concept of YJA. They moved to meet in one month’s time in order to formally organize, and in August 1993
the thoughts from two years prior were implemented and developed involving youth from all across the continent creating the YJA Executive Board. That summer was pivotal in many folks’ lives, including mine, where we were trekking into uncharted territory, had the gall to want to put together a youth convention run by the youth, for the youth and with only youth and break down any barriers to define ourselves as the new frontier of Jain leaders. Much has transpired since then in each of our lives, yet that summer and the subsequent months and years led to great experiences, greater challenges and the greatest accomplishments for a Jain youth organization. From paper registrations and long paper lists of tasks to make a convention happen, to web-based discussions and project organization, YJA in a short 20 years has changed a lot yet stayed true to its mission of disseminating the Jain religion nationally and internationally.
Where can YJA go now? Small steps from FosterFocus to national dinners have started to empower Jain youth at local levels, yet still many cities and regions have tremendous youth without good organization at the local level. YJA has taken on much of the work for organizing regional events where the local youth could learn the requisite skills themselves and then grow into the leadership positions YJA has to offer. The tools are there and need to be disseminated rather than implemented by the board members. Growing from the grassroots will plant the seeds for another 20 to 50 or more years of success for YJA. Good luck to YJA and congratulations to all who have had a hand in the past twenty years of successes. Pavan Zaveri YJA Executive Board 19931995, 2000-2001 YJA Board of Trustees 20062010 And many YJA Conventions
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Memoirs of a YJA Co-Chair By Shardule Shah
“The most common question I received was, ‘Why is YJA relevant?’”
Every US president writes a memoir after he (maybe one day, she!) leaves office. Details include 'life inside the White House' and other tidbits not previously known to the public. You could say this is my opportunity to do that, seeing that Naman Jain and I both stepped out of the co-chair role in August 2010. [Sadly, we are not afforded some of the benefits of former US presidents, such as lifetime Secret Service and the ability to command $100,000/event speaking fees.] During my time on the YJA Executive Board, the most common question I received was, “Why is YJA relevant?” That question was asked by every branch of our constituency: young Jains, their parents, Jain temple presidents, corporate sponsors, and so forth.
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It was difficult to answer that question because the answer is not easy to verbalize. In the course of a couple of years, my blood type went from A to YJA and expressing my beliefs regarding YJA's relevance proved to be a challenge. Here, I'll attempt to patch together an answer better than any I may have previously given. We are relevant because YJA is not a membership-based organization. A young Jain does not 'join' YJA. A young Jain is automatically a part of YJA the day he or she turns 14, and that association is carried throughout their lifetime, even after the upper age limit of 29. We are relevant because our 'sans membership' system allows us to serve young Jains without regard to sect, geography, and other obstacles that individual Jain temples face on a daily basis. We are not accountable to anyone except young individuals between the ages of 14 and 29. Yes, we belong to JAINA, which has done a fantastic job of helping to guide
YJA throughout the past 20 years, but realistically, we are more accountable to young Jains than to individual temples or JAINA. If our events and policies are not bought into by those between 14-29, then accountability to other people or organizations does not matter. We are relevant because we are the ONLY youth Jain organization in North America. Many of us attend local Pathshalas or have Jain friends in our respective school/ workplace. Those local networks are of paramount importance to the development of a young Jain. They continue to shape me as a person and undoubtedly do the same for others as well. However, establishing local connections is not enough in a time when national and international networking has become a necessity, for myriad reasons from realizing that there so many young Jains such as ourselves around the world (more applicable to the younger crowd) to business and personal connections (more for the older crowd).
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Memoirs of a YJA Co-Chair Continued Therefore, how do local Jain networks become national and international for young Jains in North America? Through YJA. In addition to our 9 biennial conventions, starting from 1991, YJA has hosted hundreds of local, national, and international events focused on three main aspects of the development of a young Jain: spiritual, service, and social. We are the only Jain organization that establishes these activities in North America. Therefore, support for our activities is crucial and we humbly request those in a position to donate time or money to YJA to do so.
and business partners. For our conventions, registration costs only cover 75% of the total expenses; donations help to cover the remaining costs. For our retreats, all expenses are paid for by registrants. All of our events are designed to achieve a zero balance.
I hope that I have answered the question of why YJA is relevant. In addition to discussing YJA's relevance, I believe that as a former co-chair, I have the duty to reflect upon my experiences and present three facts that may not be previously known to everyone.
Fact: YJA has a strict no-alcohol policy and enforces it at all events. None of our events ever have alcohol and no event in which we partner with another organization has alcohol. Our primary constituency is those between the ages of 14 and 29, and accordingly, our policies must be uniform for all. In addition, it is our belief that alcohol-free conditions are the best way to enjoy all YJA events. For example, at the 2010 YJA biennial convention in New Brunswick, New Jersey, because of potential concerns
Fact: YJA does not receive a regular source of revenue from anyone. We do not receive money from JAINA. We are dependent on the generosity of individuals, temples,
Fact: Our events equally emphasize spiritual growth, community service, and social development. Our conventions, weekend retreats, temple visits, service days, and myriad other activities strive to equally focus on the aforementioned themes.
raised by members in the Jain community, the convention team maximized all efforts to ensure a alcohol-free environment and as a result, the convention successfully proceeded without incident. Our members, both the executive board and all young Jains between 14 and 29, realize the unique responsibility of carrying on a religion in an environment where it may be easy to abandon the principles we actually need the most to thrive. The past 20 years of YJA has provided a foothold on which the next 20 years of young Jains can build. It has been an honor serving on the 2008-2009 and 2009-2010 Executive Boards and I look forward to helping young Jains achieve their potential throughout the rest of my entire life. Jai Jinendra, Shardule Shah 2009-2010 YJA Co-Chair 2008-2009 YJA Director of Education
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YJA, YJP, &
The Jain Mentorship Program (JMP) This program is carefully designed to pair mentees with the best potential mentors, taking into account YOUR interests, YOUR needs, and YOUR aspirations. JMP aims to benefit the entire Jain community by helping create multi-generational linkages and friendships in which the younger generations are able to benefit from the rich experiences of some of the older generations.
-John Crosby
"Mentoring is a brain to pick, an ear to listen, and a push in the right direction."
JAINA Present
Sign Up?
● You want to make the
most of your high school or college career ● You need help
finding a job or you’ve just started your career ● You’ve been working
for awhile and are looking to switch industries, roles, or trying to decide if you should go back to school ● You could use a
sounding board and advice on personal topics: relationships, communication with parents, etc ● Everything that is
Sign up as a Mentor or a Mentee Today! http://www.jaina.org/mentorship
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shared in the mentor and mentee relationship is strictly confidential
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Can You Do It? By Nirav Shah
Parasparopagraho Jivanam "Souls render service to one another" Tattvartha Sutra 5.21
“Calling oneself Jain is just a label. What makes someone Jain is following our way of life”
In those few words Acharya Umasvatiji gives us a guide by which we can judge our actions. Those actions which are of service to our fellow living beings are indicative of our soul's true nature, while those actions that serve only our own desires are not. Jainism calls upon lay persons (shravak/shravika) to perform several duties in their lives. Among these is sadharmik bhakti. Traditionally this is translated as service to the Jain community. However, examining the words in more detail reveals that it is a broader duty. The prefix 'sa-' means 'same' or 'similar'. 'Dharma' has several different meanings. When used in the sense of 'Jain dharma' it means religion or way-of-life. So, 'sadharmik' are those who share your religion, i.e., other followers of the Jain
dharma. Bhakti means 'devotion' or 'worship'. This may seem odd. What does it mean to 'worship' or be devoted to your fellow Jains? When Jains worship, they do so as recognition of virtues embodied in the object of their devotion. When we support Jain activities, we are doing so in recognition of the virtues that our fellow Jains are demonstrating by living the Jain way of life. Those who selfidentify as Jains aren't the only ones who demonstrate our values. Calling oneself Jain is just a label. What makes someone Jain is following our way of life. Anyone who does so could be considered 'sadharmik'. In fact, a deeper meaning of the word 'dharma' is essential nature or defining characteristics. So 'sadharmik' viewed through this lens means those with whom we share our essential nature. Our essential nature in Jainism is the perfect bliss and righteous actions of our soul. When we do good things and are not led awry by our passions, we are demonstrating that essential nature. By practicing sadharmik bhakti, we are supporting those who are, or at least trying to, live in harmony with their true nature.
So what can you do as a young Jain? A great way to support your fellow Jains is to volunteer at your temple. You don't need to know a lot about Jainism to help out. Some contributions that young Jains like you have made to their communities include: • Temple clean-up: Meet up on a Saturday morning and clean the temple. The community is always appreciative and may even feed you afterward! • Volunteer to help watch children while their parents attend functions at the temple: It is always difficult for parents of small children to remain active in the community. Knowing that their kids will be well taken care of makes them much more likely to come to the temple. If you have the knowledge you can also teach the next generation of young Jains a little bit about the faith they have been so fortunate to be born into. • Use your special talents to support temple activities: Have mad hacker skills? Volunteer to keep the temple's electronic services running well. Have an artistic hand? Improve the signage at your temple or make educational
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Can You Do It? Continued displays. Spend your afternoon working on the school paper? Edit your temple newsletter. Know your way around the kitchen? Get some friends together and cook lunch for the pathshala students. Throw a great party? Organize a garba/fundraiser. • Become a youth leader in your community: We all at times have lamented that our communities could better support youth activities. Move past the complaining and take on a leadership role to create a program that meets the needs of youth like you. For example, one group organized SAT prep classes for high school students taught by college students/young professionals. This gave the students a service they needed and helped build a stronger connection between them and the temple.
You can also do sadharmic bhakti outside your local temple. • Volunteer for organizations that support Jain values • Tutor local kids • Help with JAINA committee projects such as IT, education or the new Jain Mentorship Program • Run for YJA board! All of these activities can be more fun and rewarding when done with friends. Encourage them to volunteer with you. You can even start a youth 'seva' or service squad at your temple that helps out in different ways on a regular basis. You will get the most out of being a member of the Jain community by
always asking how can I better serve the community, not how can the community serve me. Finally, we, as Jains, are a small community and only through mutual support can we ensure that our community will grow and the Jain way of life continue to its unique, positive impact upon our world. However you choose to help out, feel good that your contributions will make a difference and move both you and your fellow 'sadharmik' on the road to a more Jain life. To find out more about JAINA activities see www.jaina.org or talk to your temple's JAINA directors, for YJA, see www.yja.org or contact your regional coordinator. Nirav Shah, YJA Board of Trustees
Sweet Tooth - Mexican Hot Chocolate Snickerdoodles By Pavak Shah
Ok, the name may sound a little funky, but the good folks over at the Post-Punk Kitchen (www.ppk.com) have outdone themselves again on this vegan treat. The slight warmth from the spices in this cookie are perfect for the winter / holiday season and tastes almost like the Jain version of a gingersnap. I served a batch of these along-side the chocolate chocolate chip vegan cookies for a family get-together and the snickerdoodles disappeared twice as quickly. Cookie batter: 1/2 cup canola oil 1 cup sugar
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1/4 cup maple syrup (the real stuff, not Aunt Jemima) 3 tbsp milk (soy, almond, even dairy doesn't make a difference unless you're shooting for vegan) 1 tsp vanilla extract 1 tsp chocolate extract (this can be hard to find, if you don't have any just double up on the vanilla) 1 2/3 cup flour 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder 1 tsp baking soda 1/4 tsp salt 1/2 tsp cinnamon 1/2 tsp cayenne chili powder Preheat an oven to 350F. Mix the sugar and the liquid components first, stirring vigorously with a fork to get the mixture as smooth as possible. Add the dry components and mix well until everything is incorporated evenly. Prepare the topping:
Topping: 1/3 cup sugar 1 tsp cinnamon In a flat bottomed plate, cut and roll the dough into 1cm diameter spheres and press each firmly into the plate with the topping, turning them into flat disks. These cookies won't spread when they bake so the thickness of the dough will determine the thickness of the cookie. Place the cookies on a baking sheet topping side up and bake for 10 minutes. Remove and let the cookies cool on the pan for 5 minutes before trying to move them or they will break. Like most vegan cookies, these come out of the oven delicious but can dry out quickly so they're best fresh. To enjoy them at a later date, microwave a plate of cookies next to a small amount of water in a cup for 10-20s before serving.
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An Accidental Experience
By Chintan Shah “I met a spectacular group of energetic, passionate and motivated individuals who burst with ideas”
Karma. As Jains, we believe that everything happens for a reason. For me, I am as certain of this idea as I am that the sun will rise in the morning. My experience on the YJA Board was a purely accidental occurrence, at least initially. As fate would have it, my time on the board and the relationships that I forged in more than eight years as an active young Jain have helped to shape my way of life and ingrain upon me the importance of Jainism. I also believe that my connections with the people who have influenced me and those with whom I have connected are much stronger than before our mutual participations with YJA. I grew up in a suburb of Milwaukee, WI. Although our Jain community was one of the smallest in the country, our Jain values were strong and
our congregation was devoted to the faith. Our community actively learned and practiced Jain dharma. We observed regular pathshala classes and learned slokhs, preksha meditation and various stavans. Several of the families from Milwaukee were regular JAINA Convention participants; however, we had not built a broad base of connections much further than Chicago, IL, about 90 miles to the south. In 1999, a group of six of us from Milwaukee, all under the age of 16, attended a YJA conference in Detroit over the Thanksgiving weekend. Our harrowing eight -hour Greyhound Bus ride, requiring a departure earlier than 5:00am, from the less than savory downtown bus station, gave us pause in considering future participation at YJA events. Nonetheless, as I prepared to leave for college the next year, and as more resources were available via email and the Internet, I emailed an unfamiliar entity vaguely known to me as “The YJA.” Speakers and organizers at the conference encouraged us to email questions that arose from sessions in which we participated. I reluctantly wrote an email to YJA about a dharmic question I had been
considering for some time. A few days later I received a strange response, not with the answer I sought; rather, the reply extended to me an invitation to apply for the YJA executive board. After my initial confusion (later finding out that I had mistakenly been added to the wrong distribution list), I learned that YJA was seeking applicants to provide new leadership and direction for the organization.
The idea of meeting and collaborating with other likeminded Jains drew me toward the opportunity. I diligently wrote essays and participated in 14 telephone interviews over three days. Those conversations immediately convinced me that my apprehension was unnecessary. My interviewers were current board members who were only a few years older than me, and they truly believed in Jain dharma and were working to develop a national network of young Jains. When I received a call notifying me that I had been elected, I was overjoyed
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An Accidental Experience Continued and excited about the prospect to learn more about Jainism and develop leadership skills. My first board meeting in New York laid the groundwork for my intense involvement and desire to contribute to the best of my abilities. I met a spectacular group of energetic, passionate and motivated individuals who burst with ideas about how Jain dharma could play a larger role in the lives of young Jains. From that initial experience, to my development as co-chair, I encountered countless others with shared my passion and enthusiasm for the activities and initiatives that YJA could and would put forth. After serving as the Midwest Regional Coordinator, I was thrust into a learning experience as a 20 year old, while serving as a co-chair during the 2002 YJA convention in New Jersey. I contributed fresh ideas and organizational strategies, while digesting the blueprint of success from mentors on the convention committee and on
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the executive board. I learned how to motivate young people, instill confidence, emphasize education and most importantly, manage multiple perspectives.
found that if I were ever stranded in an airport anywhere in North America, there will always be a YJA friend to rescue me!
From fundraising, to session programming, to boosting registration, I saw the YJA machine in action. This experience proved especially valuable to me, when I returned to the board in 2005 and led the following year’s convention in Connecticut. That convention saw immense adversity, yet an incredible opportunity to provide a memorable experience for the attendees.
My involvement with YJA and JAINA has proven an important enterprise for my personal development, as well as my understanding of Jain dharma. Those interactions eventually led to me active participation and contributions at the Jain Center of America in New York and most recently at the Jain Center of Greater Boston. But no matter the direction Jain dharma takes me, the seedlings of growth began in Milwaukee in pathshala and through my parents’ encouragement.
2006 proved to me and to so many of the participants, that Jain dharma is strong, it is powerful and can indeed significantly impact one’s life. Our convention theme, “My Life, My Message” still resonates as one of the strongest means by which YJA has reached its members. Perhaps one of the greatest lessons I learned from that experience was that the YJA network is ubiquitous. Indeed, I
“Perhaps one of the greatest lessons I learned from that experience was that the
Karma took me on the long Greyhound bus ride that eventually led to my incredible friendships, contributions and successful convention experiences while participating on the YJA board. For all of these occasions and encounters and relationships, I will forever be grateful to YJA.
YJA network is ubiquitous. “
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Jain or Hindu? Finding a Distinct Religious Identity in a Multi-Faith Society By Nikhil Bumb
‘Very simply, the form asked if we chose to identify with any of the listed religions or “Other”’
On the first day of college we were handed an optional Religious Identification Form to complete. Very simply, the form asked if we chose to identify with any of the listed religions or “Other,” with a place to fill in what “Other” meant to us, and whether we wished to be contacted by campus religious organizations. Excited at finally escaping the “ignorant South” and assuming that an Ivy League education ensured Jainism’s place amongst the listed religions, I eagerly scanned the list. Nothing.
“The truth: Jainism is not a sect of Hinduism.”
I double-checked the list. Still nothing. Now what? Hinduism was listed; should I take the easy route and check that? Proud of my Jain heritage but afraid I would not be contacted by any of the appropriate South Asian campus organizations, I quietly checked the box next to “Other” and wrote “Hindu/ Jain.” When I meet people who have not heard of Jainism, or who assume it is an obscure branch of Hinduism, it frustrates me. Honestly though, until a few
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years ago, I barely knew the difference myself. All I knew was that we (Jains) fasted more and had stricter dietary restrictions, while they (Hindus) had cooler gods and goddesses. Ironically, it was not until I joined the board of the Hindu students group in college that I began to explore these differences and give thought to my own distinct religious identity. As I soon realized, the notion that Jainism is a part of Hinduism was not limited to my childhood peers. There are a large number of myths concerning the origins of Jainism, many of which I believed at some point. I became accustomed to hearing statements such as: “Jains are Hindus who worship a different set of gods,” “Jainism was founded by Lord Mahavir in protest against the ritualism of Hinduism,” and “Jains celebrate Hindu festivals, worship Hindu gods and goddesses, and borrow the Hindu concepts of nonviolence, karma, moksha (salvation), and reincarnation.” The truth: Jainism is not a sect of Hinduism. Jainism is an ancient religion that pre-dates Lord Mahavir, the 24th and last Jain Thirthankar who lived in the sixth century BCE. Western history shows evidence that
the 23rd Thirthankar Lord Parshvanath lived in the ninth century BCE. According to Jain records, there are 22 other Thirthankars that preceded both Lord Parshvanath and Lord Mahavir. Jains believe that our religion has no single founder, but that it has always existed and will continue to exist though it may occasionally be forgotten. In our present era, the first Thirthankar Lord Rushabhdev restored the Jain faith amongst humanity. Within South Asia both Jainism and Hinduism flourished alongside and independently of one another. Both religions share the theories of karma, reincarnation, and salvation. More detailed study, however, demonstrates that there are significant differences in how each religion treats these concepts, amongst other distinctions between the faiths. For example, Hindus regard karma as an invisible power explaining causality, while Jains believe karma to be a form of matter that binds to our soul as a result of our actions. Whereas Hindus offer worship to many forms of one God, the creator and preserver of the world, Jains do not believe in the concept of an eternal God or a creator of the world.
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Jain or Hindu? Finding a Distinct Religious Identity in a Multi-Faith Society Continued Jains regard the world itself as eternal. We offer our respect, and in some cases worship, to the Thirthankars – great souls who have achieved enlightenment and attained salvation, freeing their souls from the cycle of birth and death and serving as role models for the faith. Additionally, Jain rituals, temples, places of pilgrimage, fasting, and festivals differ significantly from those in Hinduism. On that first day of college, while I was disappointed at not seeing Jainism on the form, my dual religious identity was not completely out of place and, as I later discovered, a common confusion for young first generation Jain Americans. I grew up learning both the Jain faith and Hindu culture -- I attended a Hindu Sunday school for 13 years, I was (and still am) fascinated by Hindu mythology, and my family celebrates both Hindu and Jain festivals at our local joint Hindu-Jain temple. Yet it was always clear to my sisters and
me that our religion was Jainism, not Hinduism or even both. As my understanding of the differences between Jainism and Hinduism grew, I began to question my commitment to my faith. By partaking in so many Hindu customs, festivals, and activities was I being unfaithful to Jainism? Eventually, I came to the conclusion that I was not. It is possible to be a practicing Jain while still following Hindu customs. Jains and Hindus have been socially integrated since the large-scale migration of Buddhism out of India. As members of the faiths grew close, they shared customs, values and lifestyles that merged into a unique culture. In fact, the Jain doctrine of anekantavada, or the multiplicity of views, encourages individuals to practice non-exclusivity by exploring other perspectives, recognizing the relativity of truth and developing your own paradigm of it.
I am still forming my own distinct religious identity, but given that same Religious Identification Form, I would now confidently check the box next to “Other” and proudly fill in “Jain.” This is not to imply that I am any less Hindu now than I was as a college freshman. I cannot deny the Hindu influences in my upbringing or the fact that I still think they have cooler gods and goddesses. Nevertheless, with a more complete understanding of both faiths, I now know that despite an overwhelming number of cultural similarities, Jainism and Hinduism are distinct religions with individually valid philosophies. I know that the belief in one does not exclude the practice of the other. And I know that, ultimately, wherever I fall in the Jain-Hindu spectrum, somehow, it checks off.
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Jainism for the 21st Century - College By Ruchita Parikh
Being raised in a Jain household, common Jain practices were simply innate to me without any additional thought. Follow a vegetarian diet. Attend Pathshala every Sunday. Perform the monthly Puja and yearly Pratikraman. Make the pilgrimage in Palitana during our visits to India. When my grandparents stay with us, follow the additional Titthi days. At the time, it only seemed natural to do as I was told. But somewhere in between doing Chaityavandans and reading the nutritional label on every fruit yogurt cup I began making my own choices…as a Jain. One of the main principles of Jainism that I appreciate is Anekantavada, or the YOUNG
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multiplicity of viewpoints, which basically states that there is no strictly defined way to practice Jainism. Ask me today, how am I Jain? I believe in being kind to others, respecting every living being and offering my service in various ways whether it’s through volunteering, donating blood for cancer, or committing to medicine to provide simple treatment for the less fortunate. It’s often too easy to get caught up in ourselves and our desires, but by keeping other living beings in mind I am able to remain selfless. Ahimsa, nonviolence, is another practice I strongly abide to. Of course the obvious vegetarian/vegan diet is followed but for me Ahimsa goes beyond avoiding animal remnants. Physically, verbally and mentally I try my best to practice Ahimsa, for example by refraining from yelling, or cussing, and practicing more civil behaviors. Other ways I practice Jainism in my daily life include getting involved in the community, recycling,
going to YJA/JAINA conventions, taking part in the YJA organization, going to Dehraser when I come home from college, the list can go on. These few mentioned practices and principles of mine have helped me become a better friend, a better sister, a better daughter, and a better Jain. To me, Jainism has become more than a religion, it’s a complete lifestyle. I like to take the additional step beyond the ancient traditions and apply it to myself on a day to day basis. The best method I’ve come to use is by taking a few seconds and asking myself, “What would a Jain do?” And without a doubt, it began for me early on during my childhood starting with Pathshala. What I had assumed to be obligatory Jain practices have in fact stayed with me and helped me become who I am today. I am unequivocally a Jain believer and follower.
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YJA Through Time
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YJA Through Time Continued
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Now and Then By Seema Jain
It was at the 1993 JAINA Convention in Pittsburgh that a few interested youth individuals came together to spearhead Young Jains of America (YJA). Who would have ever dreamed that this meeting would be the birth of such a successful organization? In August 1993, these dedicated leaders came from all over the country and met at my home in Chicago to brainstorm the mission, goals and organizational chart of the organization. After several months of hardwork and with the unconditional support of JAINA and Dr. Urmila Talsania, the first YJA convention was held in July 1994 in Chicago. With 420 youths nationwide, we had a very successful convention comprised of panel discussions, guest speakers, and social
networking. At that time I was 25 years old, recently married and had no children. My husband Sunit Jain and I did not imagine but only hoped for the longevity of this organization for our future children to attend – an organization for them to feel part of and a sense of belonging with other Jain youth.
anekantvad daily. As a committee member, I was able to understand both the attendees’ perspective as well as the board’s perspective and helped to create peaceful solutions (at least I hope the board and attendees thought so!)
In preparing for the convention, we thought it was best to keep things in tight control and enforce strict guidelines. We wanted to ensure that we set high standards for future conventions and that parents did not have a reason to question our judgments. After all, if we proved to JAINA the success of this one, they would be more supportive for future ones. I am astonished at how these youth have combined technology and creativity to enhance each convention.
this organization for our
During the 9th Biennial Convention in New Brunswick, New Jersey, I was asked to be on the Disciplinary Action Committee. As a mother of three children, I try to practice
“I did not imagine but only hoped for the longevity of future children to attend – an organization for them to feel part of and a sense of belonging with other Jain youth.“
Sunit and I have seen our dream come true. My eldest daughter Sarina was an attendee at the last convention. I am confident that YJA will continue with great pride and bigger accomplishments during the next 20 years. Thank you to all the youths who have carried on this tradition! Sunit and I will always be your number one well wishers.
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Please Make a Contribution to YJA Today to Pass Jain Principles &
Practice onto the Next Generation of Youth! Jai Jinendra! The Executive Board for the Young Jains of America (YJA) plans to be very active in bringing Jain principles to all youth across the country. We would like to take this opportunity to briefly discuss our current projects and how they will make a difference to the YJA community. • • • • •
National Swadhyay hosted by a group of scholars to raise awareness about Jain Principles and ideals and address youth problems, difficulties, and concerns. Website Reconstruction to develop a professional website for Jain youth and create a forum to share Jain principles. Regional Retreats from the East to West Coasts to instill a sense of religious and cultural pride among Jain youth. National Service Day to allow youth to participate in charitable community activities and “Be the Change.” National Dinners in Jain communities to encourage youth to both develop new friendships among Jain youth and strengthen current relationships within local Jain youth groups.
With the support of donors like you, YJA has grown to be the largest Jain Youth Organization in the World. For the YJA Executive Board, this an honor to be a part of a group that motivates and inspires countless lives. Please consider supporting our efforts with a personal contribution to YJA today. A contribution of any amount will provide tremendous support to instill a sense of among youth about their Jain heritage. The ultimate goal of the YJA Executive Board is to prepare today's Jain youth to become tomorrow's Jain leaders. Not only do we appreciate your donations, but the fundraising team would like to hear from you! Please e-mail fundraising@yja.org with your comments, suggestions, or recommendations for improvement by YJA. If you have any questions regarding Young Minds, please e-mail youngminds@yja.org. Jai Jinendra and Michhami Dukkadam. Thank you for your wonderful contribution. Best Regards, Young Jains of America Executive Board
Email: info@yja.org
Phone: 757-YJA-ORG1
YOUNG JAINS OF AMERICA CONTRIBUTION FORM Full Name: __________________________________________________________________ Company Name (Optional): ____________________________________________________ Address: _______________________________ City: ____________ ST: ____ Zip: ________ Daytime Phone: (______)______________ Evening Phone: (______)_______________ Email Address: _______________________________________ Please make your check payable to Young Jains of America and mail it to: Young Jains of America c/o Vruddhi Choksy 36 North Broad Street Fairborn, OH 45324 YOUNG
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