Jain Digest 2016 08

SR No.: 527140
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Federation of JAINA
Publisher: USA Federation of JAINA
Publication Year: 2016
Total Pages: 44
Language: English
Classification: Magazine, USA_Jain Digest, & USA
File Size: 6 MB

Page 13

Digest
As an ABCD, an American Born Confused Desi, I admit that most of my life I was confused whether to be proud or embarrassed about my faith. The questions I would receive or looks that I would get while wearing traditional clothes or the grimaces on the faces of my classmates who smelled my occasional Indian lunches made me doubt both Jainism and myself. While I now regret that these doubts even came to my mind, I realize that I was just learning how to adjust in a place where diversity is both appreciated yet judged, and that I should do that what makes me happy and helps me to succeed in the path of Jainism, because I know that life is merely the gift of the one opportunity that may not knock on the same door again.
Satej Shah (Grade 11), Schaumburg, IL James B. Conant High School
"What's that red string on your right wrist? What's the red scrolllooking thing attached to it? Why are you wearing it?" When asked such questions, I turned into an automated voice messaging system: "It's because of my religion." Being an innocent five year old Jain, I only knew
how to do 'Chaittyavandan' and my daily prayers. I had no idea what a 'Raksha Potli' meant, so I had the same understanding as to why I was wearing that "red string on my right wrist as my kindergarten friends. Over the course of the years, the number one question asked is, "why are you fasting and only allowed to drink boiled water?" Again, at the age of five, I had no idea why, but among my high school peers, I can give a detailed explanation for most religious questions asked. I know that I'm not the only Young Jain who has been asked these questions, because people notice your actions and the more ways you are different from them. The only way I am able to answer these questions is through my experience and knowledge as a Jain.
Growing up in North America, especially in Chicago, IL, as a Jain is a privilege. I have been shaped into the person I am today because of my family's strong religious beliefs and spiritual Jain practices from the day I was born. My ears listened to the Navkar Mantra as soon as I was born. Every day, for the past 11 years before going to school and starting my day, I do Darshan and 'Vaskshep Pooja' on Parshvanath and Shantinath Bhagwan at our home Derasar. Twice a month, I attend the finest Patshala in North America at the Chicago Jain Society.
We observe eating Jain food at home and at restaurants. When I share this fact with my friends, their main curiosity is how restaurants can serve Jain food. Whether it be an Indian restaurant or a well-known franchise restaurant, their menu items can be easily customized with Jain ingredients by simply asking. This is one of the many simple
Jain practices I follow. I find a religious aspect to almost everything I do which helps Jain Family Restaurant
me understand and practice Jainism on a different level. In 2013, my dad completed
a 'Maskhaman, which is a thirty day fast consisting of consuming cooled-down boiled water between sunrise and sunset. In 2015, my dad and my uncle completed a 400 day journey of fasting and becoming closer with their soul, a 'Varsitap? With the intense fasting in my family, my Jain beliefs have gotten stronger and I have been able connect with Jainism in ways that have made me a better person. My family's effort towards a more religious life has not only helped me spiritually, but also professionally.
At the age of 12, I attended a 3-day 'Sangh' in India. A 'Sangh' is a pilgrimage Jains take from city to city and camp out near Derasar locations. We were fortunate to shadow Maharajsahebs and witnessed their journey to attain 'Moksha' by getting closer to their soul. We experienced their lifestyle without electricity and other any modern amenities, as well. This experience was an eye opener for me as I realized how humans, especially Jains can devote their precious life towards their soul. When I reflect upon my life as a Jain, I've realized how spoiled I am living with tens of thousands of apps on my phone to help connect with people, rather than focusing on Jain values that can help me connect with my soul. Through the 'Sangh' experience, I was able to put different lives into perspective through a humanitarian lens.
As I've grown, I've become more curious and interested in learning the specific details about our religion. 'Why this way?' or 'Why is it this way and not that way?' types of questions come up in almost every discussion I have about Jainism. The