YJA Convention 2000 07 LA Fourth

SR No.: 527607
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Young Jains of America (YJA)
Publisher: Young Jains of America YJA USA
Publication Year: 2000
Total Pages: 88
Language: English
Classification: Magazine, USA_Convention YJA, & USA
File Size: 9 MB

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The facilitator will not interject his point of view during the two 15 minute discussions except as much is needed to spark conversation between and amongst the participants. The facilitator will be more active in the general discussion, but the primary focus will be on the opinions and impressions of the participants themselves.
HOW CAN JAINISM CHANGE THE WORLD? presented by Ashik Shah
Do Jains have a desire or furthermore even a right to change the world? What would people like Shrimand Rajachandraji think of our world today? If everyone followed Jain principles, how might the world be different?
We all know the motto: Work hard, play hard. Success and happiness sound so easy, don't they? America is booming: you've never had it so good! Then why are young Americans so frustrated and tired? Explore with us, in an interactive way, how one remarkable Jain, Shrimad Rajachandra, helped Mohandas K. Gandhi change the world and what we can learn from his life: how Jainism can change our world and bring us real happiness.
Stress at work? Stress at home? No time for yourself? Facing a mid-life crisis while still in your twenties? Surely there must be more to life than this? Jainism teaches us that there is: that happiness is inside of us. In this session we will discuss the path to experiencing this inner happiness, and the many pitfalls on that path. We will refer to the life and writings of Shrimad Rajachandra, the remarkable Jain who profoundly influenced Gandhiji and through him, the world.
HOW CAN ONE PERSON
MAKE A DIFFERENCE? presented by Sangeeta Kumar and Atul Shah
What are the consequences of being 'stubborn' regarding principles I firmly believe in? In what ways are strong convictions constructive, and how might they be a hindrance? Do Jains have a better way of effecting change in the world than explaining our views to everyone and trying to convice them we're right?
First, a little history. The traditional Jain approach to effecting change in society and the world has not been one of passive resistance, angry activism, shouting out loud or getting in people's faces and telling them they're wrong. Jains have successfully led social and moral causes by setting a good example for others to see, understand, and hopefully emulate.
For example, although Jainism extends far back into history, before Lord Mahavira most Indians were meat-eaters. The meat-eating, animal-sacrificing Hindu Brahmins considered Mahavira and the Jains to be heretics. But after centuries of
coexistence, the Brahmins too began to see the wisdom and goodness of respecting animals and being vegetarian. Whereas the concept of Ahinsa was basically unknown and foreign to Hinduism before Mahavira's ripple effect began, now Ahinsa is being preached and practiced by a majority of Hindus - millions and millions of people!
Now you can make a difference in the world too, and you don't need a few centuries to do it! Many times we get lost with school or professional life and you forget about the inner self. This seminar will give you real stories on how living out your dream doesn't have to remain a just a dream any more. Be inspired to make changes in life and take on some new challenges.
HOW THE JAIN WAY OF THINKING LEADS TO SUCCESS
presented by Prem Jain and Navindra Jain
Should I sacrifice Jain principles with co-workers when it comes to social events that may entertain with nonvegetarian food and beverages I avoid? Is it easier and better to stray away from religious conversation at work? How can Jain principles help with company politics when there is so much competition amongst co-workers? Is there a way Jainism can mentally help me concentrate more at work? Don't physical appearances make the first impression in job interactions? How do you go about changing the way you think if you've been thinking a certain way for so long?
Jains follow a tradition that is against greed, attachment, materialism and over-acquisitiveness. However, Jains throughout history, and even today, have been one of the most prosperous yet peaceful communities in the world. While often financially well-endowed, Jains have been legendary for their discipline, honesty and integrity. This is no accident or coincidence. Jainism's detailed and rigorous practices of Ahinsa (nonviolence and compassion for all life forms), Anekantavada (non-one-sided thinking) and Aparigraha (freedom from possessiveness) along with self-control and non-attachment, generate a certain mindset that sets up a person's planned endeavors for successful outcomes. When understood and followed, they naturally cultivate discipline, diligence, truthfulness, trustworthiness and frugality - all the right ingredients for victory and continuous ascent.
But why is this so? What are the 'functional' elements of that mindset? How does the Jain worldview operate within us? What role does it play in our decision-making and long-term planning, in the full and accurate understanding of a situation, and in the ability to stay focused on a goal while seeing the 'big picture' at the same time? What effect can this mindset have on one's colleagues, superiors, subordinates, and society as a whole? How does it lead to business success? And, most importantly, what practical steps can we take to renew that mindset and let it guide us in real life? Two highly accomplished technologists and motivational speakers from Silicon Valley, Mr. Navindra Jain and Mr. Prem Jain (a director of Cisco Systems), will provide answers and much more.
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