________________
HS/COLLEGE SESSION DESCRIPTIONS
3 A'S OF JAINISM | SPEAKER: MANOJ JAIN
Jain Philosophy is not complex or convoluted. It can be summarized in the Triple As. Begin to understand the Triple As and then build knowledge about the soul, karmas and Jain universe. The Triple As is an easy way to explain, 'What is Jainism?
AHIMSA: ITS MEANING AND APPLICATION | SPEAKER: GARY FRANCIONE
Although Ahimsa is a concept found in several spiritual traditions, Jainism involves an understanding of Ahimsa that is unique in a number of respects. We will explore the particular characteristics of the doctrine of Ahimsa in Jainism and learn practical applications of Ahimsa in our everyday lives. We will also explore how modern life poses particular challenges to embracing Ahimsa as a fundamental principle of spiritual life.
AM IA "GOOD" JAIN? | SPEAKER: APURVA BHANSALI
From a young age, we are raised to be "good" Jains. Our parents are constantly telling us to work hard, be successful, to have a great career, get married, have kids, have religious values and to follow the teachings of Mahavir Bhagwan and the Tirthankars. But wait - Mahavir teaches us that happiness cannot come from any of these things and that we should give up our worldly possession to find inner peace. So are we really being raised as "good" Jains? Be prepared to discuss your thoughts in this interactive session.
ANIMAL ETHICS AND JAINISM | SPEAKER: GARY FRANCIONE
Jainism imposes on all--ascetics and laypeople alike--an obligation to not harm multi-sensed beings. What does this mean, both as a theoretical matter and as a matter of our everyday lives? We will explore what Jainism tells us about animal ethics and what that means for our daily lives. We will discuss the relationship between Ahimsa and a total vegetarian, or vegan, lifestyle.
APPLIED AHIMSA VIA ECO-VEGANISM | SPEAKER: SAURABH DALAL
The global production and consumption of animal products for food is a critical driving force for virtually every major category of environmental damage now threatening the future of the planet and all its inhabitants. These include climate change and particularly global warming, air/land/water pollution, fresh water scarcity, top soil erosion, biodiversity loss, and the spread of disease. The timeless and timely principles of Jainism offer a guiding framework to help avert the environmental crises, where individuals and organizations must be involved in promoting true solutions. This session will show how vegan diets and lifestyles offer a compelling solution for a healthy planet, the health of people, and for the well-being of non-human animals with whom we share the world - all in a Jain philosophical context.
iJain: Evolution of a Mind
19
Session Descriptions