Childs Quest to Find His Purpose of Life

Author(s): Akhil Jain
Publisher: Akhil Jain
Catalog link: https://jainqq.org/explore/007660/1

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A Child's Quest To Find His "Purpose of Life" MONEY Social Service Better Human Being Serve God FELDAR ATHEIST Parents SCHOOL BUS Author : Akhil Jain, Dallas, TX, USA

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|| 38 74: PSRT: 11 parasparopADI jIvAnAm parasparopako pIvAnAm A Child's Quest To Find His "Purpose of Life" MONEY Social Service Better Biman Being Serve God Author: Akhil Jain Dallas, Texas, USA ATHEIST 1st Edition - 3000 copies 2014 Feb, 2013 1st Edition - 3000 Copies - 21st Feb 2013 2nd Edition - Online - 12th May 2013 Parents Price FREE Design & Printed by : J.S.GRAPHICS Kanpur (India) * Tel. +91-9415486270

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!! Shri Mahavirai Namah !! syAdvAda ahiMsA anekAntavAda aparigraha Contents ............. 1. A Child @ Home becomes Inquisitive ............ 2. Pathshala kids become Inquisitive .............. 3. Field Trip to the Fair .... 4. 1st Stall "Make Lots of Money" ......... 5. 2nd Stall "Make the world a better place" .................... 6. 3rd Stall "Be a better person within yourself"...... 7. 4th Stall "Dedicate Yourself to Service of God"............... 8. 5th Stall "Atheists" ....... ............... 9. 6th Stall "Parents" ... ................ 10. Getting answers from Jinvani in Pathshala .................. 11. Child back home ......... ................. Books available at: Akhil Jain 4539 Hawkhurst Dr, Plano, TX -75024 USA Tel: 1-972-996-5181 Email: emailakhiljain@gmail.com Sachin Jain 74-D, Pocket A Mayur Vihar, Phase 2 New Delhi - 110091 INDIA Tel: +91 - 11 - 22774820 : +91 - 9810215057

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Author's thoughts..... Late last year, I was asked by the "Senior Most" Pathshala Teacher from our Jain Temple, to write a play on Jainism, for kids of her Sunday class. You must be thinking, why did she ask him?.... Is he some kind of a "Big Shot" in Jainism? If so... then why haven't we heard of him? There's nothing like that. On the contrary, I am pretty new to learning teachings of Jainism and have been fortunate enough to have had the opportunity to learn and grow in this area, over the past 4 years. Last year I had written a play for our Jain Temple that was widely appreciated by everyone. Title of the play was "Manushya Janm Ki Sarthakta" a.k.a. "What Makes our Life Worthwhile". I had written it keeping the participants in mind. I wasn't sure how much the audiences would be able to digest in 30 minutes, but I knew participants of the play would read the dialogues multiple times during preparation, and have higher chances of becoming curious about Jainism and may want to learn more. The play was in Hindi and is available on YouTube. More details on that play are available on the last page of this book. Feel free to check it out. I'm the one in Blue Kurta... in case you are curious. Now that you know the reason, why I was asked to write this play, let's get back to this book. Last year during Christmas and New Year Holidays, I took off from work and wrote this play. After completing it, when I showed it to my wife (Charu), she said this looks more like a book.... You should consider getting this published. I took opinions of a few other people and they all encouraged me in this direction. That's how this ended up as a book. Now let me write a little bit on what message I wanted to convey with the help of this book. Most of the kids in that Pathshala teacher's class were of Class 6th-8th. Some of them were going to graduate from her Pathshala class. I didn't know what all they've learned at Pathshala or how much of that they've really understood or retained. So my goal was to give them something that will guide them make better decisions, irrespective of what situation they face. Even if some of them, learned

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nothing else at Pathshala, this one thing would make sure they don't get lost completely in this world and will always know their "path back home". This book makes an effort to make our children aware, of what they'll see, out there in the world, and how a few kids of their age, analyzed each temptation that came their way and picked their own paths. This book presents our kids an opportunity to think about those situations, temptations and arguments ahead of time. There is no right or wrong answer. Each kid is encouraged to think deep about each option presented to them and decide for themselves. I took extra care, to not dismiss any opposing argument as "wrong", nor did I try to pass judgment and say that one path is right for everyone. That was not my intent. In my day to day life, we mix a bit of Hindi with English, while speaking to each other and with my 5 yr old son (Aryan), you'll see the same mix appear on some occasions in this book also. This book is written in the same language as are all of our Jain Shashtras i.e. Language of Logic. I don't preach the kids to follow one path over the other. I do this because I know it's naive, to expect everyone to follow one path. Life will however present each individual with multiple paths and one has to decide which path is right for them. Children in this book will also be presented with various options and they'll have to decide what's right for them. Happy Reading... Jai Jinendra Akhil Jain 6th Feb, 2013 PS: I'll be happy to send you printed copies of this book for your temple, school, organization, friends, relatives and loved ones. So don't hesitate to ask. There's no charge for the book or for shipping to anywhere in the world.

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A Child's Quest to find his "Purpose of Life" Chapter I A Child @ Home becomes Inquisitive about his "Purpose of Life" --- Story starts with a kid at his house, in deep thought. His dad appears on stage and asks him Dad: Beta* (det) Neel... Beta Neel... You don't seem to be doing your homework... what are you thinking about? --- Dad waits for a few seconds then walks over to Neel and taps on his shoulder Dad: Neel: You seem lost in deep thought... Jai Jinendra* (Heftas) Dad.... I didn't notice you were here... Sorry for that. Dad: That's okay.... I'm curious to know what you were thinking... are you all right?... do you need anything to eat or drink ? Neel: Dad... I'm thinking... What is the Purpose of our lives? ......... Is Life all about growing up, getting a job, getting married, taking care of family, giving them what they want and then dying? ......... If that's true, then Animals also do the same, how are we different from them....Dad? Dad: Beta... Life's not all about this, as humans we have duties towards each other. As humans we should fulfill our duties, that's what makes us different from animals. Neel: I see......... But Dad in school we learned that many animals live in social environments like us, ...........e. each member of the herd has a different role to play .......... that means they also have duties that they fulfill........... *Beta QeT- Son * Jai Jinendra Fier FHS - Common greeting used across Jain Community

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A Child's Quest to find his "Purpose of Life" Should the goal of our life be to fulfill our duties... Dad? Dad: Hmmm... Neel: If that's the goal of our life, then.... Why do we practice religion?.......... What is religion, Dad?.......... What can religion offer us? What other things do we need in our lives, besides "What religion has to offer"? Dad: Beta... Tomorrow is Sunday and in the morning, I'll take you to your Sunday class at the Temple. Why don't you ask these questions to your Pathshala* (UTC) teacher? I think she'll be in a very good position to answer your queries. Come on... now close the lights and go to sleep... Good Night Neel: Okay Dad... Good Night - Neel kept on thinking late into the night and could not wait for the next day Page #8
A Child's Quest to find his "Purpose of Life" Chapter II Pathshala kids become Inquisitive about "Purpose of Life" --- Scene starts with a bunch of kids in classroom. They are waiting for their Pathshala teacher to arrive. SUNDAY . SCHOOL Student-Neel: Friends, can I have your attention? I'd like to ask you a few questions.......... What do you all want to be in life? Students: Student-Neel: Students: Kids raise their hands and start answering... "Fire Fighter", "Pilot", "Policeman", "Nasa Astronaut", "Movie Star", "My dad wants me to become a Computer Engineer like him", "My mom wants me and my sister to become Doctors" I see... 2nd question... What do you wish to have, in order to be happy? "Toys", "New Fashionable Clothes", "Being 1st in Class", "Bike", "Video Games", "Sports Car", "Very Big House with Media Room and Game Room" I see... How will being here in Pathshala help you achieve that? ... ... "You said you want to be a "Fighter Pilot", "Policeman", "Nasa Astronaut", "Doctor", "Engineer"......... How will being in Pathshala help you achieve that goal?"..... Page #9
A Child's Quest to find his "Purpose of Life" Student - Neha: Student - Rai: Student-Neha: Friends you said in order to be happy... you would like to have "New Fashionable Clothes", "Be 1st in Class", "Have a Sports Car and Big House"... How will study of religion help you achieve that? Don't you think if you were studying your school curriculum or taking extra math/science classes, during this time, you would have better chances of becoming an Engineer, Doctor, and Astronaut? Why is it then that our parents want their kids to study or practice religion? My mom says......... religion makes you a better person. How does that happen? I don't know how that happens.......... She says we should go to temples and offer prayers. We can't go to as many temples as our parents must have visited. Does that mean we'll never be good people? I can't do as many pujas* (qFt) as my parents must have done. Does that mean we'll never be good people? My aunt in India does a lot more puja than my parents, but she isn't very nice to others. People from other religions are also good people, what does Jainism* (#) have to offer that's different from other religions? Student-Raj: Student-Robin: Student-Shreya: Student - Raj: Pathshala Teacher arrives in the class * Puja YST - Praying to deity / god * Jain 7 - Religion that preaches steps to achieve happiness that has no limit, dependencies or end

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A Child's Quest to find his "Purpose of Life" Student-Neel: M'am we are trying to understand what the purpose of our life is. We have a few basic questions that we don't seem to have answers to. I'm curious to know.......... What do we all want in this world? Pathshala Teacher: Happiness Student-Neel: M'am.......... What is Happiness? Pathshala Teacher: "Anakulta* (3781 cctat)".......... Beta, desire of any kind leads to anxiety.......... as a result, subconsciously you are always in a state of wanting a desirable outcome or finding ways to avoid an undesirable event. This causes turmoil and unrest.......... At any point of time, there are millions of things we either subconsciously desire to acquire, avoid or keep forever. As a result, our mind is in a state of continuously analyzing data from our knowledge base and extrapolating favorable outcomes. This causes stress, because most of the outcomes are neither in our control nor will all of them come true. Similar to how a computer gets heated up after performing too many calculations, our mind also gets heated up due to non-stop calculations. This results in stress/anxiety/unrest. "Anakulta"* / "Happiness" is a state where, you don't have desire and expectations. You reach this state when you realize you are not affected by anything that changes. It's a state of mind where you are in complete harmony with yourself and everyone around you. There are no desires or expectations...this is "Happiness". Student - Raj: M'am, people from other religion also seem happy, then why do we practice Jainism only? Student - Robin: What's there in Jainism that's not there in other * Anakulta 37lchal - Free of desire, longing 5

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A Child's Quest to find his "Purpose of Life" religions? Student - Shreya: What does it mean to be a Jain? Student - Neha: What did Arihant Bhagwan* (31fea TANA) teach us? --- Hearing so many questions... teacher began thinking and after a few seconds said Pathshala Teacher: Let's do one thing... Let's all go on a field trip to a fair.......... This fair is a very unique... one of a kind fair... it's organized to provide answers, on what people should do in their lifetime, to be happy. --- All kids got excited on hearing about the field trip... Student - Neel: M'am, A field trip sounds like a fun way to find answers to our questions... What kind of a fair is it? Pathshala Teacher: This fair has many stalls ....... each stall introduces you to their philosophy.......... If that philosophy works for you, then you sign-up at that stall for your entire life.......... you dedicate your life to following that philosophy to achieve happiness. Student - Neel: M'am... can we go now? Pathshala Teacher: Well....there's a picnic after our class today... if parents agree we can skip the picnic and go on a field trip instead? --- All parents agree to send their kids to the fair SCHOOL BUS * Arihant 3f Eat - Pure Soul who has no desires and knows everything *Bhagwan ah- Pure Soul who has no desires and knows everything

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A Child's Quest to find his "Purpose of Life" Chapter III Field Trip to the Fair --- It was a very large fair, there were stalls all-around. It seemed everybody had a stall there, religions of the world, atheists, scientists, teachers, community leaders, social workers and even parents had their own stalls. You could even find stalls run by school friends, neighbors and relatives. Companies & government's also had stalls there. lonnnnnn.... --- Everyone was marketing their own life's purpose and attracting as many people as possible, to sign-up for their entire lives. People that signed up were expected to dedicate their "entire lives" following that philosophy to achieve happiness. - This was not a career fair.... They were not advertizing professions you can choose for a career..... This fair was different..... In this fair, each stall attempted to provide you with a purpose of life, that's bigger than yourself. The idea was that, you could carry on your lives doing what you needed to do (going to school, making livelihood, carrying out your duties) and also have a purpose of your life. Students: Wow... this is the biggest fair we've ever seen. How are we going to cover all these stalls? --- Kids could not wait to get started and everyone wanted to start exploring in different directions... Student - Raj: Student - Neel: We might get lost in the crowd......... why don't we stick together as a group? I like that idea... that way we can collectively get answers to our questions and individually decide, each one for themselves, if you would like to sign-up or keep looking --- Everyone agreed...

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A Child's Quest to find his "Purpose of Life" Student - Shreya: It's funny; I even see some stalls, for people to "Switch Purpose of their Lives". I wonder why would anyone pick a "Purpose of life", in the morning and want to change it in evening That's so funny Student - Robin: Student - Neha: C'mon... let's get started 8

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A Child's Quest to find his "Purpose of Life" Chapter IV 1st Stall "Make Lots of Money" --- A group of 4 students arrived at one of the biggest stalls. These were run by a consortium of all private& public companies. Individuals in the booth were dressed formally and were very attractive Stall1 Hosti: Stall1 Host2: Welcome children, we'd like you to commit your lives to "making lots of money" Kids as long as you have lots of money, you'll have everything you'll need, i.e. Big house with Media Room, Luxurious Cars, Girls, Latest Gadgets and Video Games, House on a Beach, Vacations on Cruises, even Early Retirement. Stall1 Hosti: Our philosophy is "If little is good, then more must be better". The more you have the happier you will be. Stall1 Host2: Let's explain this with an example. Today if you are happy with a 40 Inch TV, then tomorrow you'll be happier if you have a 60 inch TV. Today if you have 1 TV in your house, tomorrow you'll be happier with TV in each room. Today if you have 5 Video Games, you'll be happier tomorrow if you have 50. Today if you have a house with 4 rooms, tomorrow you should aim for 6 rooms. We believe the more you have, the better you feel about yourself. Stall1 Host1: Guess what.... Today is your lucky day. We're giving away enticing gifts (electronic gadgets, video games and iPads) to those willing to sign up and "Making (9

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A Child's Quest to find his "Purpose of Life" Student (#1,2,3): lots of Money" as their primary purpose of life. Wow... This seems to fulfill our need of getting all the glorious things we want. I know my Dad will be so happy I chose this as the purpose of my life. 3 out of 4 students decide to sign-up... They were given bands to wear on their heads for the rest of their lives. They were also given large goodie bags (backpacks full of gadgets) Student #4: (One who had not signed up at this stall) I understand I'll get a lot of goods by signing up here, but that was not why we started our search. We learned that the most important thing in life is "Happiness" and it's not a result of "Having Everything" but a result of "Not Desiring" things. Sir "Fulfilling Desires" is the only way we know of being happy. Stalli Host2: Student #4: I wonder how can having things, result in eternal and continuous state of happiness? Because many of the things we desire are either temporary or not in our control....... Things that we are able to obtain (one way or the other), we continuously expect them to stay with us and not part. Later, when better things come along, we start wanting new things and become anxious for more. Stall1 Host2: Sir, we do not guarantee being happy.... we only guarantee "having worldly pleasures" and I agree it's not going to get you everything you wish for nor is it going to last forever. You'll have to keep acquiring things you want and take them from whoever has, what you wish for. 4th student turns to other 3 (who had already signed up at this stall) and says.... 10

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A Child's Quest to find his "Purpose of Life" Student #4: Friends... how can fulfilling desires make you happy, when they give rise to more desires ?.......... If they did then why did our "Teerthankars* (atefcht), Chakravarthys* (Elshanit)" and so many "Arihants* (fa)" leave all the worldly pleasures and belongings behind to pursue happiness.......... I'm going to keep looking guys... this is not the kind of happiness that I was looking for. Student #3: --- who had earlier signed up at this stall --- You know, when I was 3 yrs old, I wanted Thomas Train, Mickey Mouse and so many other gifts, that my parents and friends got for me. Later when I was 6yrs old, I wanted different things, and luckily this time around also I got all those things that I thought had my happiness. Everything I ever wanted at Age 6-7-8 was also provided to me. Then why am I not the happiest of all kids? I've got more than so many other kids in the world. Then why today I feel like I am not complete without a few more things? How can happiness be a state of "always wanting something from someone" ?...... I'm sorry I signed up a little while ago. I'll have to go the booth where I can "Switch My Purpose of Life". For me too, this is not the kind of happiness that will lead to a peaceful state of mind. * Teerthankar ateich - Pure Soul who lectures on our ultimate goal of being happy * Chakravarthy Elshant - King of All Kings, he rules all Lands, Water and Air * Arihant 3f Pure Soul who has no desires and knows everything 11

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A Child's Quest to find his "Purpose of Life" Chapter V 2nd Stall "Make the world a better place for everyone to live in" --- A group of 4 students arrived at this A STRONG MAN CAN TAKE CARE OF HIM stall. These were run by Environmentalists, SELF BUT A STRONGER MAN CANA Feed the Poor, Build Houses for the TAKE CARE OF OTHERS : Humanity, Charitable People, and Politician's. Stal12 Host1: Hello children, we'd like you to commit your lives to "making the world a better place for everyone". It's easy to live for money or for your own interests. Life's purpose has to be bigger than that. Nothing wrong with that We encourage you to dedicate your life to helping others that are less fortunate......... You can think of this as "Doing GOD's work".......... This will get you close to God and take you to heaven. Student #1,2,3: Stall2 Host2: Stall2 Hosti: We have multiple offerings. You can pick and choose what you'd like to sign-up for. "Feed the Poor", "Protect the environment", "Build Housing for Humanity", "Becoming Architects, Doctors, Scientists, Educators to help humanity", "Donation for good causes like Health in 3rd world countries", "Running the country as Elected Officials" etc. Stall2 Host2: And guess what? Today is your lucky day, if you sign up and make this as your primary goal of life... you'll receive badges, hats and t-shirts saying ("I donated blood today", "I voted today", "I dedicated my life to protecting the environment, or girl child" etc.) 12

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A Child's Quest to find his "Purpose of Life" Student #1,2,3 Wow!...this definitely seems better than working selfishly for our needs, instead we are trying to improve the lives of others. This also is in line with our "Ahinsa* (BIH)" principle. I'm in. --- Another 3 out of 4 students decide to sign-up... They were given bands to wear on their heads for the rest of their lives. They were also given goodie bags (made of recycled paper) Student #4: --- One who had not signed up at this stall --- I understand it's good to help others rather than live only for your own good, but that was not why we started our search. What will happen if I have a "desire to help others", and circumstances don't allow me to help, or if circumstances change where I am not able to provide the level of service that I intended to provide. Stall2 Host1: Sir you will not be able to "fulfill your desire to help everyone, every time". There will be times you'll not be able to help or bring about the changes you'd like. In those circumstances, you will need to learn that we don't control everything and some things cannot be changed, irrespective of how much we try. In those cases you have to move on to something smaller, where you can make an impact. Student #4: This doesn't seem to be the answer to happiness that I was looking for. It seems all I've done is that, Earlier I was working day and night towards achieving everything that I wanted for me and my family, now I'll be working, for what others want. I understand this is noble, I don't deny that.......... but we're once again trying to fulfill desires, when we know those give rise to new desires. *Ahinsa 31 HT- Non-violence 13

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A Child's Quest to find his "Purpose of Life" It seems we will still always have "un-fulfilled desires" which will lead to anxiety and unrest, how can that lead to happiness? Stall2 Host2: Sir we do not guarantee happiness of that kind, or that your desire to help everyone will be met. We only guarantee "you'll get respect in the society, because you are helping others". Student #3: --- who had earlier signed up at this stall --- Will people always interpret my actions the correct way, or could things be interpreted the other way too? Stall2 Hosti: Sir we cannot guarantee that, your actions will be interpreted correctly by everyone. Sometimes they might yield results that you may not have anticipated or it may become impossible for you to make an impact. We advise members to not let such events affect them, because we don't have control on all the variables. Sometimes you may not get credit for all your work. These things can happen. Student #3: I was in a pursuit of happiness that will lead to a peaceful state of mind. This path is full of anxieties, uncertainties and dependencies on others. These cannot be the traits of happiness. I'm thinking I'll go to the booth where I can "Switch Purpose of Life", this is not exactly what I was looking for. 14

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A Child's Quest to find his "Purpose of Life" Chapter VI 3rd Stall "Be a better person within yourself" (in turn the world will become a better place) Best Better --- A group of 4 students arrived at this stall. These were run by "Sadachari* (HTERA)" (Do good to thy neighbor, Respect your elders, Take care of Parents, Never hurt anyone, Never lie to anyone, Don't have ill-feelings towards anyone, perform selfless deeds, don't have any expectations from others) Good Stall3 Hosti: Hello kids, we'd like to Enough encourage you to "Be a better person within yourself". We believe if everyone does that then the world will be a better place. Irrespective of what's happening around you, never cause harm to others. We don't believe you can change the world, nor is it easy to change others, as a result, we believe being a better person within ourselves, will give you peace and also encourage others to be like you. Stall3 Host2: We believe each person has their own destiny, and all your actions / emotions attract "Karma* (wouf)" particles, as a result if you control your feelings, emotions and only have good feelings for others, you'll attract Good Karma. Stall3 Hosti: Kids... Good Karma will take you to heaven and everything that's desirable will automatically come your way. It's aligned with Gandhian principles i.e. if someone slaps you once, you offer him your other cheek. Student #1,2,3: I agree, we should try to not have negative thoughts or * Sadachari HGTER - One who practices righteousness * Karma - Microscopic particles (pudgala) attracted to soul due to mental dispositions 15

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A Child's Quest to find his "Purpose of Life" anger or greed towards others or their property; Nothing wrong with that. This definitely seems better than trying to control others and basing your success on how much good happens in others. I can easily see myself doing this and at the same time, inspire others to improve their lifestyle. I'm in... Please sign me up for life. I'll dedicate my life to being a better person. --- Another 3 out of 4 students decide to sign-up... They were given a BAND to wear on their heads for the rest of their lives. They were also given goodie bags that contained uplifting thoughts and motivational material Student #4: --- One who had not signed up at this stall --- This is definitely more closely aligned with Jainism principles, in fact Hindu principles or for that matter principles of all religions, but I am not sure if we can control our feelings. Let's say yesterday night I was feeling great after playing with my sister. If someone asks me to once again have exactly similar happy thoughts now, I can't make myself feel the same, Irrespective of how hard I try.......... It seems if we set our expectations on always having happy thoughts and regarding negative thoughts as our failures, I'm afraid we're setting us up for disappointment.........Any time a feeling of anger or greed arises within me, I'll feel guilty, because I've assumed emotions are in my control, which may not be the case. Stall3 Host1: We don't guarantee you'll be able to control your emotions or always feel positive and not have any negative thoughts or weak moments. Our goal is to make sure, situations outside you, are no longer able to force you, to act in a negative or stressful way. This 16

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A Child's Quest to find his "Purpose of Life" will make you a good citizen. Once you start seeing yourself like that, you'll notice reduction in negative thoughts. Student #3: -- who had earlier signed up at this stall --- Trying to judge myself, based on my feelings must be very taxing. It seems earlier I was classifying others as good or bad, and now I'm categorizing myself "Every Moment" into Good or Bad. I'm not very sure if this will result in the kind of happiness that is ever lasting or peaceful. Who is to say I'll be able to judge my thoughts correctly or given a set of 100 people, everyone will classify their thoughts correctly as good or bad. Stall3 Hostl: You are right.......... everyone may not classify their thoughts the same way. Sir a lot of this depends on your background, your experiences, things you like and dislike. What's good or bad can be different for each person and it can even change over time for that person. Student #2: --- who had earlier signed up at this stall --- I like the idea of focusing on one's own self and not others, this is definitely better, but there's something missing here, as this is not leading to eliminating anxieties and uncertainties about future. I'm thinking, I'll go to the booth where I can "Switch Purpose of Life". I'm sorry I signed up a few moments back. I'll join you there as well... although what we heard here is good; the real answer must be more than this. Student #3: 17

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A Child's Quest to find his "Purpose of Life" Chapter VII 4th Stall "Dedicate Yourself to Service of God" --- A group of 4 students arrived at this stall. These stalls were run by "Pujaris* (pujArI)" and religious people Stall4 Host1: Hello kids. Service to God is better than serving mankind. Your life has a higher purpose and that's to serve God. If you are able to please him, he will take you to heaven. Stall4 Host2: Be God's disciple, pray day and night, visit Teerths* (aitet), build temples, spread the word of lord and good things will happen to you. You will get all the worldly pleasures and definitely make it to Heaven. Stall4 Hostl: If you sign up today, and make this as your primary goal of life... you'll receive these puja booklets, book on "correct way of performing various kinds of puja* (ast), map of all religious places, steps to become God's best follower, Puja clothes and a few cool things you can put on the dashboard of your car and hang in your house. Stall4 Host2: We understand you have a choice in life, as a result we also offer a host of options you can pick and choose from. We have many gods, over 24 to choose from. You can pick any one or more as your favorite. We also have Idols that are dressed in different attires, worshiped in different ways and for different * Pujari qort - Temple Priest responsible for performing temple rituals. * Puja y Gil - Praying to deity / god *Teerth atef - Religous Place 18

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A Child's Quest to find his "Purpose of Life" reasons. You get to choose whichever sect works for you. Each sect has different ways of practicing religion and different ways to achieve happiness Student #1,2,3,: Most of my family members have dedicated their lives to this purpose, why don't I also do the same. I can't go wrong with something they've chosen. Please sign us up.... we're sold. --- Another 3 out of 4 students decide to sign-up... They were given bands to wear on their heads for the rest of their lives. They were also given goodie bags (made of orange cloth that contained all of the above things). Student #4: --- One who had not signed up at this stall --- Can I ask a question.......... Why does God need our service? ... Our god is "Sarvagya* (Holst), Veetraagi* (aiderit) and Hitopdeshi* (faluarit)"... going by that he shouldn't be affected by whether we serve him or not. Stall4 Host2: Well... that's true... but Student #4: He also taught us that neither heaven nor any of the four Gatis* (ufa) have happiness, then why would he reward us with heaven, that doesn't have happiness? Stall4 Host2: You have a point there, but remember, we don't guarantee you'll get happiness or heaven by practicing religion. We only guarantee that if you do it whole heartedly, and be his best disciple without expecting anything in return, then you have higher chances of making it to heaven. After all, heaven is a lot better than hell and earth. * Sarvagya Host - Who knows everything * Hitopdeshi fecludit - One who shows us path to achieve our ultimate goal * Veetraagi altarit - Who is free of all attachment, expectations and judgment 19

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A Child's Quest to find his "Purpose of Life" Student #4: How is it possible that becoming his best disciple and beating others to this race, lead us to peace. The path seems to be full of anxiety, because you are now competing to be the best and are always on lookout for being the best among others present or in the past. Is that really achievable? Student #3: --- who had earlier signed up at this stall --- I don't know about you, but I won't be able to offer as many prayers in my life time as my Mom, and I know she didn't offer as many as my grandma. Going by this logic, I'm doomed to begin with. Stall4 Host1: Student #4: You can start now, earlier the better. So do you want to sign-up your life to serving God? If God is Veetraagi* (aiderit) and Akarta Swabhavi* (3chaf aura), i.e. he neither has any desires/ expectations, nor the power to reward/punish, then I'm not sure what I will get by dedicating my life to his service. I'm going to pass. Student #2: --- who had earlier signed up at this stall --- I don't mind offering prayers and doing the things we do at temple, but there's something missing here, I can't see how this is going to eliminate all anxieties and uncertainties about future. I'm thinking I'll go to the booth where I can "Switch Purpose of life". Student #3: You are right... let's go * Gati fa- 4 Places where impure souls are found i.e. Animal, Human, Heaven, Hell * Veetraagi atcerft - Who is free of all attachment, expectations and judgment * Akarta Swabhavi 3chat Faurat - Without the power to bring changes in anyone else 20

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A Child's Quest to find his "Purpose of Life" Chapter VIII destiny 5th Stall "Atheists" (YOU control EVERYTHING - Not God) character habits actions thoughts ---A group of 4 students arrived at this stall. These stalls were run by the most successful people like Bill Gates, Steve Jobs, Founder of Facebook, Founder of Google and kind... all of whom don't believe in God Stall5 Hosti: Hello kids. We believe there is No God, No Creator, because it can't be proven. We are all here and that's the truth. What you do with your life is entirely in your hands. No point worshiping, because it doesn't look like good people get all good things and bad people are the only ones that go through bad things. This proves that there is no god that's judging your actions and rewarding each one accordingly. Stall5 Host2: We feel you have the power to make things happen and we don't believe destiny is pre-determined. We can all write our own destiny. If we try hard enough, we can get what we aim for......... If you sign-up today, we'll help you write your destiny and provide books on people who created their own destinies and others who did not take control of their destiny. Student #1,2,3,: My dad believes in these things by heart, he'll be very happy I decided this route. All my uncles also created their own destinies. I can't go wrong with something they've all chosen. Please sign me up. 21

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A Child's Quest to find his "Purpose of Life" --- Another 3 out of 4 students decide to sign-up... They were given bands to wear on their heads for the rest of their lives. They were also given goodie bags. Student #4: --- One who had not signed up at this stall --- Can I ask a question? You said if you work hard enough, there is nothing you can't achieve, then how do you explain randomness of life events? Stall5 Host2: Student #3: Stall5 Host1: Student #4: We do believe in randomness of events, but have no explanation for why they happen, they just do. If I write my own destiny and work towards making that happen day and night, are you saying it may not happen, because it's dependent on others and life events that are beyond my control? Well.. Yes. There are uncertainties involved here and your goal needs to be realistic and achievable. We cannot guarantee that everyone will be able to fulfill their destiny. But it's worth a shot, what else can we do, than try. What if you reach your goal and fulfill your destiny... then what? Then you make a new goal and start working towards that. You may or may not be able to meet that, but that'll keep you going --- who had earlier signed up at this stall --- This sounds very much like dangling a carrot in front of a rabbit to make him want it and run to win the race. At the end of the race you give him that carrot and then start dangling a bigger carrot to keep him going. Well... Whenever the rabbit gets tired of running, he is free to stop and look back at the small carrots he received as rewards along the way... and once he has done that, he can once again start running. We don't Stall5 Host2: Student #3: Stall5 Hosti: 22

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A Child's Quest to find his "Purpose of Life" Student #4: >> Student #3: 4 believe one should stop after meeting their goals, you should always be on the lookout for new higher purposes of life and re-defining your destiny, so it's within reach but still far enough, so you keep working towards it. I agree on one point that, one should always keep looking for answers, but if the ultimate goal keeps moving, then we'll never be content. We were looking for happiness, peace and satisfaction; this seems to be a recipe to remain hungry all your life for one thing or the other. I don't think the rabbit will ever be able to stop running... even when he's old and alone. He'll never be content, because there will always be a carrot dangling in front of him. --- who had earlier signed up at this stall --- You know the "most unfortunate part".......... The rabbit himself is dangling a carrot in front of him. No one else is doing this to him. This path is full of anxieties and uncertainties and dependencies on others... I'm not able to see how this can lead to happiness. This is not for me. Now I'll have to go to the booth where I can switch. I'll join you to that booth as well.... This is not for me either... Student #2: Student#3: Student #2: 23

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A Child's Quest to find his "Purpose of Life" Chapter IX 6th Stall "Parents" --- A group of 4 students arrived at this stall. These stalls were run by Parents Stallo Host1: Beta*... why are you guys in this fair?... You should just follow what we do... We've done all the research and chosen the best path... why do you want to waste time in finding your own path, when we already did the hard work for you? Student #4: Stall6 Host2: Stall6 Hosti: Did you really? Did you really make an informed choice? Or did you take the easy way out and pick what your parents and society taught you? Well... Let's say we did... Son, you need to realize, there's nothing wrong in "following", as long as you are following the right thing......... Why question a good thing? Our philosophy of life is very simple. Do what everyone is doing, that way you'll never lose in any race. Our goal is not to be left behind in any race... In each race, you should always be able to look back at people who you left behind or who couldn't make it as far as you did, this will give you happiness Really? Would you mind telling what all races you are participating in? I'm sure you already know...you've seen us participate Student #3: Stallo Host3: *Beta CT- Son 24

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A Child's Quest to find his "Purpose of Life" in them, all our lives...... There are numerous of them, let me tell you some of the broad categories those races fall in. 1. "Make lots of money, gather as much wealth as you can, so you can have big house, luxury cars, media room where you can watch movies with friends, luxuries that we are so proud of and then leave enough for your next generations, so they don't have to worry about money". While you are in this race, you start working towards the next race. 2. "Be in charge of your Destiny (don't let others have the power to come in the way of what you want)"... beta in life... there's nothing worse than wanting something and not having it... nothing... believe me. 3. "Make the world a better place for everyone to live in"... in this area.......... just do as much as you can or as much as others are doing... that will suffice. 4. "Being a better person within yourself"... here too... just do as much as you can or as much as others are doing, no need to go above and beyond. Just enough to be identified as a good person compared to the majority. 5. "Dedicate yourself to service of God"... once you've achieved the above, this becomes important also, you don't want to get left behind in this race either. That's why we've been going to temple and offering our prayers since birth, your "dada* (Grgi), dadi* (trct)" worshiped even more * Dada CIGT - Grand Father Dadizia - Grand Mother 25

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A Child's Quest to find his "Purpose of Life" than us and visited even more temples than we did. They helped build temples in their towns, so we donate also. Stall6 Hosti: We try not to get left behind in these races, that's what we learned gives us happiness. You should do the same. Student #2: Stall6 Host2: Student #4: I understand I'll get a lot of praises by signing up at this stall, but that was not why we started our search. We learned that the most important thing in life is "Happiness" and it's not a result of "having everything" but a result of "not desiring" things. Beta... that would be ideal, but ideal world doesn't exist. Until then, "fulfilling desires" is the only way we know of being happy. I wonder how "wanting to stay ahead of the majority" in all these different races, can give us peace of mind. You would always be looking at others, evaluating where you are with respect to others. You would keep changing your target and approaches to get ahead. You would not be able to rest until you arrive at that arbitrary goal. Won't you lose touch with people that you once worked/lived with and have now left behind?.... Similarly, for things that you once wanted and later acquired, "won't you lose interest in them, after some time?" Student #3: Stall6 Host3: Yes... that will happen... you move on, make new acquaintances, associating with those that are ranked higher on your desirable list. As far as possible, you try to keep in touch with old acquaintances, but it 26

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A Child's Quest to find his "Purpose of Life" becomes difficult over time and you move on anyway. Specially if there's nothing you could gain or lose by keeping in touch. Stall1 Hosti: Stalli Host2: Remember some of those people will still want to stay in touch with you, because you now are ahead in the race. So you'll never truly lose touch with all of them. No need to worry about the rest. It's important for you to know that we do not guarantee happiness, if it means "not desiring". We only guarantee "Fulfilling Desires" which leads to having "money, worldly pleasures, fame, people around you and memories that you can cherish". Student #3: Friends.... I'm not sure if this will even lead to "Fulfilling Desires". Let me explain. By the time we arrive at the target that target would have changed to something else, which you now desire more than the previous one. Not only would we end up chasing an arbitrary goal, we would not be able to enjoy when it arrives, cause the target by then, would no longer be "the target"...... It would have changed by then. It's like having "Unfulfilled Desire for Life"... How can there be happiness in this? We know one can never get everything one desires. Stall1 Host3: I agree it's not going to get you everything you wish for nor is it going to last forever. You'll have to keep acquiring things you want, to remain happy. It's a lot of work... no doubt... that's why we suggest you start early. Student (2nd one): We learned that "greed" also known as "Lobh* (127)" * Lobh 1197 - Greed 27

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A Child's Quest to find his "Purpose of Life" is "wanting something that's not yours", isn't greed driving all these desires? We know that "greed" is one of the four Kashayaas* (2014) and it's a Paap* (414) Kashaay. How can the result of Paap Kashaay, be happiness? Stall1 Host1: Well... technically you are right... this is Lobh (a.k.a. greed) and you are right this will get us Paap karmas that could land us in trouble later in this life or in next many lives. However we have a way to get around that also, because "Not only do we want this life to be full of abundance; we also take steps to make sure that the next life is also full of comforts". That's why we are very religious and believe in "Serving God" so that after death, we go to heaven, not hell. We believe this will get us Punya* (que) Karmas which will nullify our Paap* Karmas. I'm not sure that'll get good karmas.......... Let me explain .......... If greed for things in this life is bad karma then greed for things in next life can't be good karma.... doesn't seem right Student #4: Stall1 Host1: Student #4: Maybe you should check out the previous stall that is run by pujaris and religious people, that's dedicated entirely for this purpose. We've been there already... that didn't provide us the answers we are looking for. Well.... do you want to sign-up with us then?... if you sign-up today and make "participating and leading in all races" as the most important purpose of your life, we'll give away enticing gifts like... 50 pardons that Stall6 Host2: *Kashaay Chart - Imperfections in our character mainly of 4 kinds anger, greed, ego and deceit *Paap 414- Imperfections in our character or beliefs that bring worldly discomfort 28

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A Child's Quest to find his "Purpose of Life" could be used for any of your future mistakes, books on how to make money, autobiographies of your uncles who've made it to the top, 7 habits of highly successful people etc, and a bumper sticker that says "I'm proud to be a child who listens". Student #4: I'm going to pass... how about you guys? Student #1,2,3: This stall seems like a mixture of all the previous stalls. The 5 points we heard in this stall were exactly the things we heard in previous 5 stalls. If those stalls individually did not provide us a way to achieve happiness, how can their mixture lead us to happiness? We're going to pass too. EXIT End of Fair -- Student #4: Sir, before we go, can we ask you a question? The whole world comes to temples and perform prayers and puja for happiness and now we're learning that, it too doesn't guarantee happiness, then where are all the answers? Son.......... "The ONLY gift our Teerthankars* gave us was Jinvani*", that was their ONLY gift to us, "Rest is Man-Made". Maybe you should seek answers from Jinvani. We never had time to read or understand what's written in it. Stall6 Host1: * Punya que - Imperfections in our character or beliefs that bring worldly pleasures * Jinvani faluft - knowledge imparted by Teerthankar's on our ultimate goal of being happy 29

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A Child's Quest to find his "Purpose of Life" If you are not finding answers in this fair, that's the only place I can think of, where you will find your answers. Student #4: Maybe that's the reason, why our Bhagwan's* (741) are called "Hitopdeshi* (Fediyapit)". Our "hit* (fam)" is in happiness and whoever gives us "Updesh* (34491)" on happiness... is bound to be called "Hitopdeshi" Student #1,2,3: Sir, many thanks for pointing us in the right direction. * Hitopdeshi fedlucyst - One who shows us path to achieve our ultimate goal * Hit feat - Ultimate goal * Updesh BUGYT - Lecturel Direction 30

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A Child's Quest to find his "Purpose of Life" Chapter X Getting answers from Jinvani in Pathshala ---All students meet back with their Pathshala teacher and ask questions before heading back home. Teacher: Welcome back kids, I see that you've covered all the stalls.. Congratulations. Tell me something, who are these other kids with you? I don't believe I recognize them... they are not from our class. Neel: Ma'm... They've become our friends from various stalls we visited; they've been coming to this fair for many years and didn't get their answers... some of them even switched their "Purpose of Life" upon hearing our conversations.... so we invited them, to come with us to Pathshala. Teacher: Very nice......... So tell me... one by one... what did you learn today? Student #1: We learned that our ultimate goal is "Happiness"... that's the goal of every living being. Teacher: Well, if everyone wants happiness, then why don't they already have it? Any thoughts on that? Student #2: We learned that if we don't know where to look for happiness, it can be "perceived" to exist in many things. some look for happiness in money, some in their jobs, some in their role in society or family. some believe it comes if you acquire lots of things, some believe it comes if you give away lots of things. Some believe it's not in things, but in actions you perform, in deeds you perform. 31

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A Child's Quest to find his "Purpose of Life" Student #3: We learned that 'desires of any kind cause unrest and anxiety...........as a result, we go after 'fulfilling desires'. Unfortunately 'that leads to more desires'.... thereby we remain in a continuous state of 'Wanting to Fulfill Desires'. Teacher: But isn't "desire to do good", better than "desire to do bad"? Student #4: It looks like, it doesn't matter what kind of desire you have. Whether it's good or bad, they all have the same effect on us. They all put us in a state of wanting to fulfill desires'. Student #5: 'Wanting to Fulfill Desires'... subconsciously triggers our mind to look/hope for favorable outcomes within us and everyone around us... 24 hrs a day, 365 days a year. This state of mind is referred to as anxiety or stress. Student #6: We are beginning to believe that real answer to happiness has to be in "not having desires", cause "fulfilling desires" seems to be a losing proposition, it keeps on giving rise to more desires, there's no end to it. Student #7: If you have desires, you are not happy. Student #8: M'am, we learned that the only place we'll find the path to happiness is in the teachings of "Bhagwan Mahavir" i.e. Jinvani.... nowhere else. We want to start reading and trying to understand our shastras* (*) and listening to Lectures, that tell us about how to go from "Wanting to Fulfill Desires" to "Not Having Desires" Teacher: That's awesome... you learned a great deal in one day. Neel: M'am.. are these... all the stalls? Teacher: Yes kids... these are ... all the stalls Neel: Why are there no stalls that teach what Mahavir taught us, we want to learn what's written in Jinvani *(frarit)? * Shastra g knowledge of religion based on principles that are timeless * Jinvani fenatuft - knowledge imparted by Teerthankar's on our ultimate goal of being happy 32

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A Child's Quest to find his "Purpose of Life" Teacher: 3. Children 1. The word "stall" means "a place where you stop looking"...where you "stall". Mahavir taught us that path to happiness "begins by knowing yourself and ends at keep-on knowing your true self". True happiness is found inside oneself, not outside. Look at the idol of Mahavir, he is telling you that the path to happiness is in "not-indulging with things outside you". 4. Happiness is a result of finding "one's true identity" (one that doesn't change over time or is impacted by other people, or places or things or activities). 5. Irrespective of what's changing inside you and outside, look at that thing inside you that's not changing. When that happens, you'll find that happiness will emerge from inside, because it exists within you. That place within you is not affected by life /death, joy/ sorrow, and gain /loss. When you begin to feel that your true self has never changed and is beyond the reach of.... not only things outside you, but also your karma particles, your body and your own feelings. You will no longer feel the urge to worry about changes that happen around you. You will not have the urge to bring changes in them. You will have no desires. Next time you go to the temple, do what Mahavir's Idol is teaching us. Look at it carefully and you'll get the answer you've been looking for. "Let things change around you, they don't have the 33

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A Child's Quest to find his "Purpose of Life" power to bring changes in your true self. So watch them... Watch them like I'm watching them... and don't imagine them to be affecting you. Just sit back, relax and watch them take different forms.... While that's happening, notice how your true constant self, within you, remains unchanged and unaffected by things that change. Everything outside your true constant self is neither a cause for happiness nor sorrow; it's only an object of your knowledge" Bhagwan Mahavir taught us that.... there is no stopping or stalling. You don't need to sign-up with anyone for happiness. You are complete and independent by all means. To achieve your goal of ultimate happiness, you don't need anything from outside. In life, we spend a lot of time classifying things outside us into good/bad, favorable/unfavorable, imagining how they impacted us in the past or contemplating how they could impact us in the future. This has only resulted in anxiety and desire to bring changes in them. 9. 10. 11. Now it's time to start to "Know Yourself and Keep Knowing Yourself". This is what all liberated souls (Gods) are doing "each moment" of "each day". This is what their idol's are telling us "each moment" of "each day". 12. We are grateful to our teerthankars for teaching us this important lesson. That's why we build temples so we can learn, this important message from them. We don't worship so they can give us something. *Teerthankar teicht - Pure Soul who lectures on our ultimate goal of being happy *Bhagwan - Pure Soul who has no desires and knows everything 34

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A Child's Quest to find his "Purpose of Life" 13. Even if God could give us something (let's imagine for a second), why would he give us something that he himself didn't think was worth having ? 14. Jinvani was his ONLY gift to mankind, that's the reason he is called "hitopdeshi*". If you look at his other qualities "Sarvagya*"and "Veetraagi*", those qualities gave him "Anant Sukh* (311a TT)", they did not give us anything. If you ask me, his "Only gift to us was Jinvani*". 15. We should read our shastras and listen to lectures that provide insight into our true self. The more you learn about "your true constant self", the closer you'll get to finding happiness. Neel: Thank you Ma'm. This gave us direction and purpose to our life. --- All students head back home. *Sarvagya Host - Who knows everything *Anant Sukh 3ra Ho - Infinite Happiness *Hitopdeshi familiarit - One who shows us path to achieve our ultimate goal *Veetraagi altarit - Who is free of all attachment, expectations and judgment *Shastra y knowledge of religion based on principles that are timeless *Jinvani faluf - knowledge imparted by Teerthankar's on our ultimate goal of being happy 35

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A Child's Quest to find his "Purpose of Life" Chapter XI Child back home figuring out how his world fits with his new found purpose of life Neel: Dad, today we had a great day at the Fair and at Pathshala.... I got a lot of my answers. We learned that purpose/goal of our life is "to achieve happiness" and for that we need to first find answers on "how to obtain happiness". We also found out where to look for answers. Dad: That's very good to hear... I'm so happy for you I feel this can create a strong foundation for all your future decisions and maybe even lessen "Desires". Dad: Let me call your Mom... she would be so proud of you --- Dad is all excited......he runs to call Neel's Mom from the next room.... she also arrives into Neel's room --- Neel: Mom... you know something? I was never very clear on the difference between "Needs" and "Desires", difference between the two, seemed very fluid and kept changing with time. Mom: I know what you are talking about.... Sometimes we adults also have a tough time differentiating between the two... you are not alone Neel: Mom... I feel that the tough part was determining my goal, my purpose of life. Once that's done, everything else seems to be fall in place. It's no longer difficult to figure things out. To give you an example, I now seem to have a better understanding of the difference between "Needs and Desires". "Need" is something that helps you meet your purpose of life.... and "Desire" is everything else... you can say, it's the optional 36

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A Child's Quest to find his "Purpose of Life" stuff.... whether it's there or not doesn't matter... whether it's fulfilled or not doesn't matter. I may still "desire" things, and may get temporarily upset if I don't get them. But now I know that I no longer "need" everything that the other person has. If I get upset over desires, then I know that's my weakness, because "fulfilling desires" doesn't achieve anything, they just help calm that desire to give rise to another. However Dad.......... I still have one question for you Neel: Dad: Sure... go ahead... What do you want to know? Neel: Dad.... if happiness is in Veetraagta* (a.k.a. Not having Desires) then why do you work? Dad: Beta, I work because I need to provide for you and your mom. As soon as you are big enough, I'll give this all to you and go out in search for happiness. Who knows how much time I have left and if my health and body will allow me to search for happiness or not? That's why beta, I'm eagerly waiting for the day when I can pass this all to you and not have to worry about you or all this. Neel: Dad, if there is no happiness in what you do, then why do you want to give it to me? ......... Why should I spend all my life gathering things that, I would one day give away and walk out of? Dad: You make a very important point....... not sure if I have an answer to your question though... Mom: Beta... Neel... If your Dad doesn't work, then who'll pay all the bills? Neel: I guess you are right, Mom... we all need to work, so we have shelter and can feed our body. Cause if we don't have shelter or if our body is starving or not taken care of, then we'll not be able to *Veetraagi altarit - Who is free of all attachment, expectations and judgment 37

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A Child's Quest to find his "Purpose of Life" concentrate on learning about our "true constant self". As a result, it seems that taking care of our body is a "Need", for which we must "Earn". Dad: Neel: So.... no need to amass wealth more than the other people or own 3-4 homes, leave enough for two generations? Ya... cause, I'm not sure what that'll get us. We must however, have enough so we're not all the time thinking about how to survive. So we can have peace and spend time, learning about our self and finding happiness. Beta... Neel... In terms of food, does that mean you'll start eating more "Green Vegetables"? Mom: Neel: I guess I'll have to, because In terms of food, I think our goal must be, to eat more natural and organic foods that will keep our body free of ailments and diseases. It also becomes important for us to have a healthy lifestyle, so we have the energy to do things that are important and remain strong to fight off diseases and desires, specially one's that can take us off-track. Mom: Neel: This means you will no longer eat all the things you love? I wish it was that quick... .... I doubt it's going to change overnight. I would probably still like to eat the things I love, but now it'll be with an understanding that those "special request items" are only serving my desires not me. They are not really helping my cause or any other purpose of mine. Whether they get fulfilled or not, will not really make any difference. Mom, although I'II still have desires, I no longer wish to indulge in things that hurt other living beings. I don't wish to take from this world, that which is not necessary.......... Mom,... can I survive on foods that have no traces of 38

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A Child's Quest to find his "Purpose of Life" honey, alcohol, eggs or meat products? I no longer feel the urge to eat things that involve killing. Mom: Beta... I'm so happy you feel this way. I am sure we can introduce "Jain Food" into our food habits. I'll just need to inquire about "Ahinsak* (31f440) Alternatives", I'm sure they are available in the market. Dad: You could probably talk to Aarav's mom. They only feed Jain Food to their son, I'm sure it must be doable. Mom: Ya..that's true...plus there are so many families that bring "Tasty Jain Food' to the temple. I'll have to start inquiring about it. Beta... You are not going to be a Muni... right? It's too early for you to think like this or talk like this. Mom: Neel: No Mom... I just want to find out about my "true constant self", so I can get the kind of happiness that our teerthankars are feeling. My quest is to read our shastras to find out what Bhagwan Mahavir taught us in this regard. Don't worry, I won't be doing this all the time, I still need to get good grades, find a good job and make money, so I can always have shelter and good food all my life. This way the search for my true constant self can continue. The difference is that I will not take up jobs that involve "Lying, Cheating or Hurting" others, I no longer wish to indulge in such behaviors. Dad: So you no longer want to become a Power Ranger or join the Army? Neel: No Dad... that was before. I'll need your guidance to find careers that are more "Socially Responsible" and don't involve hurting or cheating anyone... like scientist, engineer. There must be others. * Ahinsak 38 H - Avoidance of violence 39

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A Child's Quest to find his "Purpose of Life" Dad: Beta... I'm so proud of you... Don't worry we'll help you in that. But you'll have to also do something for us in return. Neel: What's that dad? Dad: Keep sharing with us, what you learn at Pathshala. *Pathshala TOYS- School/Class where children study Religion 40

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Invani-USA Ch

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Glossary Meaning Hindi Type in English Type in Hindi Ahinsa ahiMsA Ahinsak ahiMsaka Akarta Swabhavi 3tahaf That Anakulta anAkulatA Anant Sukh anaMta sukha Arihant arihaMta Beta beTA Bhagwan bhagavAna Chakravarthy Echarif Dada dAdA Dadi dAdI Gati gati Hit hita Hitopdeshi hitopadezI Jai Jinendra jaya jinendra Jain Jinvani jinavANI Non-violence (Non existence of desires; Absence of anger, greed, ego and deceit) Avoidance of violence to others Without the power to bring changes in anyone else Free of desire, longing Infinite Happiness Pure Soul who has no desires, knows everything and has infinite happiness Son Pure Soul who has no desires, knows everything and has infinite happiness King of All Kings, he rules all Lands, Water and Air Grand Father Grand Mother 4 Places where impure souls are found i.e. Animal, Human, Heaven, Hell What we all want a.k.a. Our ultimate goal One who shows us path to achieve our ultimate goal of being happy Common greeting used across Jain Community Religion that preaches steps to achieve happiness that has no limit, dependencies or end Knowledge imparted by Teerthankar's on our ultimate goal of being happy Microscopic particles (pudgala) attracted to soul due to mental dispositions Imperfections in our character mainly of 4 kinds anger, greed, ego and deceit Greed Karma karma nositions Kashaay Lobh kaSAya lobha

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Glossary Meaning pApa pujArI Hindi Type in English Type in Hindi Pathshala pAThazAlA Paap Punya puNya Puja pUjA Pujari Sadachari sadAcArI Sarvagya sarvajJa Shastra zAstra Teerth tIrtha Teerthankar tIrthakara Updesh upadeza Veetraagi vItarAgI School/Class where children study Religion Sinful thoughts that bring worldly discomfort (known as Bad Karma) Righteous thoughts that bring worldly pleasures (known as Good Karma) Prayer/Service offered to deity / god Temple Priest responsible for performing temple rituals Righteousness Who knows everything Knowledge of religion based on principles that are timeless Religious Place of Historical Importance Arihant's who enlighten the path of happiness for everyone Lecture / Direction Who is free of all attachment, expectations and judgment

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On 1st day of Bedi Pratistha @ Jain Temple, Dallas TX USA Inspiring, Educational, Entertaining SKIT / PLAY Janm Manushya ja Ki Sarthakta Akulta Sansar Sukh Gyan Punya Paap What makes our life worth while? Ghor Akulta Sansar Unique Blend Of : Kahani from Prathmaniyog, Acharan from Charnaniyog, Facts from Karnaniyog & Inspiration from Dravyaniyog Friday 13th July, 2012 8:30pm @ "JSNT -Webb Chapel" For Information Contact : emailakhiljain@gmail.com (1-614-598-4651) To see the skit on YouTube: Search for "2012 DFW Jain Pratistha Skit Combined"

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