Jain Center Los Angeles CA 2003 05 Expansion Charity Gala

SR No.: 528133
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Jain Center So CA Los Angeles
Publisher: USA Jain Center Southern California
Publication Year: 2003
Total Pages: 68
Language: English
Classification: Magazine, USA_Souvenir Jain Center CA So Los Angeles, & USA
File Size: 5 MB

Page 31

Jain Pathshala (JCYC) 2003 Sailes Jain
"Without Jainism in my life, I would be a lost soul. To me being a Jain is a privilege." Sonal Sheth A classroom is where everyone learns, the student and the teacher. Kaanan Shah
Today the youth in America have plenty of material things: cars, houses, brand name clothes, computers, video games, etc. However, they often lack a spiritual aspect to their lives; things such as: faith, ceremonies, morality and a spiritual connection. The Jain youth in America are fortunate enough to benefit from a sense of spirituality in their lives, an aspect they can draw on whenever they are in the midst of trials and tribulations in their adulthood. Many young adults do not have the pillar of faith to support them when they make the journey from adolescence to adulthood.
The youth are immersed in the psychosocial crisis of defining their identity and are beginning to decide for themselves what they will ultimately believe in spiritually, this is an opportune time to instill in them the core values of Jainism. It can be a time for spiritual growth, introspection and implementing values.
The ideal for moral education of the youth has always been a matter of importance to the Jain parents. Public schools once placed the building of character and moral discernment on a par with developing the intellect. However, today the formal curriculum in the schools our children attend is lacking moral education. The focus has become skewed; additionally, the media tends to transmit messages that are confusing and corrupting at worst.
Good moral character is not an innate feature; it is instilled in an individual by experiences and role models. A conscientious effort is made to help the youth develop the values because the character and conduct of our youth reflect upon the community. Hence, every adult has the responsibility to teach and model core ethical values to promote the development of good character.
Before the Jain Center came into existence in 1988, approximately fifty students attended Jain Pathshala at the homes of individual teachers. A year later enrollment in Pathshala classes jumped to seventy students being taught by three teachers. Last year a record number of 365 students enrolled in Pathshala. A volunteer staff of 52 teachers and ten administrators leads this surge in enrollment. The curriculum has been expanded to include classes on Jainism, Indian history, culture, and Gujarati and Hindi languages. Swadhyay and English classes are also offered to the adults. A Jain Study Group began in 1997 for young adults, this class began with seven students enrolled, and today the enrollment exceeds 55 students. On these days, more than 500 plates of snacks are served.
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