Traditional Jainism Is Not Enough Jain Education That Listen

SR No.: 269754
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Jugna Shah
Publisher: Jain Centre of Atlanta GA USA
Total Pages: 2
Language: English
Classification: Article
File Size: 18 KB

Page 2

and how to apply them to the world. He has a two day format for the youth program. The first day he teaches youths about the basic principles and ideas of Jainism. The second day he allows youths to ask any and all questions that they want to. When he came to Atlanta, the youth raised questions about abortion, suicide, the death penalty, homosexuality, heterosexuality, and many more. Pravin uncle addressed each and every question, first from a religious perspective and then from a householder stage perspective (householder stage = our stage in life today). He understands the importance of communication and how necessary it is within the Jain community. I think that he also understands that it will do no good to teach Jainism to the youth without also discussing other issues such as the ones mentioned above. These issues can and need to be addressed by parents first and foremost, but also by learned individuals within our communities. By learned individuals I do not mean guru's and swami's from India, because they cannot relate to the youth in this society as well as Pravin uncle. Pravin uncle's method is more effective than the guru's and swami's etc... that have visited for two simple reasons. First, he can relate to youths in a way that would be impossible for someone who does not live here on a day to day basis to do so. Secondly, and perhaps more importantly is that he utilizes the interactive model of teaching and communication which is the best model to use in a learning environment. Interactive communication has to do with questions and answers, debates and discussions, and open-mindedness. It is not of the lecture format where the audience India better than the youth can possibly because of language difficulties, and probably because of conceptual differences that exist between those raised in that culture as opposed to this one. The thing that appeals to me the most about Pravin Uncle as an educator is that he takes Jainism beyond just a religious identification for people, he deals with it in such a way that it becomes easy to see how Jainism actually has a place in daily life. His workshops are not just about Jainism, they are about life and how difficult it is for my generation to achieve a balance of cultures Jains. A generation gap will continue to exist, but Pravin uncle is trying to bridge that gap by communicating with youths and young adults about their concerns. Those individuals that know him will tell you that he is sincere in his efforts and that they have continued to benefit from his knowledge and valuable resources even after the workshops are over. The bottom line is that communication is difficult especially between parents and their children and between the religious community and its members. By communicating and keeping an open mind we will be keeping the door to gaining more knowledge open, and educating oneself and others is what life should be about. I believe that that is precisely what Jainism is about: the acquisition of more and more knowledge that will ultimately deliver us from the life/death cycle to moksha. Jugna Shah Atlanta Jain Society