Jain Digest 2003 01 Vol 22 No 1

SR No.: 527087
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Federation of JAINA
Publisher: USA Federation of JAINA
Publication Year: 2003
Total Pages: 36
Language: English
Classification: Magazine, USA_Jain Digest, & USA
File Size: 9 MB

Page 32

ADA REGIONAL FEST 2002/2003!!
YJA brought 6 Regional Conferences to all 6 Regions!
South Regional Conference The South Regional Conference, Jain Philosophy vs. the Theroies of Science was held in Houston, TX Friday, November 29 - Sunday December 2, 2002. About 30 youth from Dallas and Houston gathered at the Jain Center of Houston on Friday evening, starting the weekend off with icebreakers and games. On Saturday, they woke up early in order to begin the day with yoga. Following this, the Houston youth group presented on Navakaar Mantra. There guest speakers, the Samanjis, next gave a lecture on the "Life of a Shravak." The Dallas group then performed a skit "How the Chor Stole Diwali" followed by a discussion on whether we how Jainism is affected by the changing times. The youth enjoyed a night of bowling and hanging out with their new friends. Sunday morning, the attendees mediated together, and then said their final goodbyes after an awesome weekend.
West Regional Conference
DESTINATION: MOKSHA, the West Regional Conference, was held in Anaheim California from December 20-22, 2002. Almost 70 youth from LA, San Francisco, San Diego, and even as far as Phoenix attended the conference.OnFriday night, the attendees played trust games, so the attendees got to know one another. The attendees spent the next day engaging in interactive discussions and participating in sessions led by local youth groups of LA and San Diego. The purpose of these sessions were to show the attendees how they could implement Jainism into their daily live. Saturday night, the youth danced the night away at a semi formal dance. Finally, Sunday morning, the youth attended a panel discussion led by older Jain youth, and a session led by a local pathshala teacher about Frequently asked Jain Questions. The attendees left on Sunday evening with almost 70 new friends, and more importantly a new understanding of Jainism.
Northeast Regional Conference
On December 21, 2002, 50 youth gathered in Toronto, ONT, for the first ever regional gathering of the Northeast Region. The theme for the weekend was Diversity the Jain Way, selected in order to give attendees an understanding of Jainis. One of the main focuses for the weekend was the concept of Anekantvaad. The youth came out better understanding how to be tolerant and compassionate. Sessions were conducted by Balbhadraji, Dr. Anne Valley, Dr. Vastupal Parikh, and many others. Friday nightwas the Indian Mela Night, where attendees learned about the many cultural aspects of India. Also, the youth did traditional raas-garba and also danced the night away at the semi formal. A special visit to the Royal Ontario Museum was also coordinated, in order to see the Jain Art exihibit. The weekend was memorable for all that attended. The youth left, not only with souvenirs, but with knowledge of Jainism that will remember forever.
Midwest Regional Conference
Approximately 30 youth gathered on January 17th, 2003 in Chicago, IL for the second Midwest Regional Conference. Attendees came from Detroit, Ohio, and Chicago. The theme was, Jainism and Science, and youth enjoyed sessions on Animal Testing, Veganism, and Jainism vs. Science. The youth spent the weekend openly expressing their views on these current issues, and in the end came to a solution about their lives. Open forum discussions were held by their peers, so everyone was able to share their thoughts. The youth also attended a yoga session and a session on How to do Darshan, in order to show the practical side of Jainism. The weekend was also filled with icebreakers, allowing for everyone to meet one another. On Saturday Night, the youth enjoyed a night of bowling and games. The youth were sad to leave on Sunday, but glad they had come.
30/JAIN DIGEST- Spring 2003
Southeast Regional Conference
Atlanta, GA was the site for the Southeast Regional Conference. Close to 70 youth gathered from January 17th-19th, 2003 in order to learn about the Dual Identity Crisis: Philosophy vs. Science. The conference kicked off with Friday night activities of icebreakers. Yoga was conducted early Saturday morning, and all day youth enjoyed a diverse array of sessions led by Manoj Jain, Pravin Shah, and many local speakers. Saturday Night, the youth enjoyed a formal dinner and dance. Sunday afternoon concluded the conference with a final session led by Jina Shah, a speech by Manoj Jain, and a slideshow of the weekends pictures. The youth of the Southeast truly bondeded at the conference and left with a better understanding of Jainism and how it should fit into their everyday lives.
**Check out www.yja.org to see the memories of the Mid-Atlantic Conference.