Jain Center ST Louis 1999 05 Pratistha

SR No.: 528531
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Jain Center St Louis
Publisher: USA Jain Center St Louis MO
Publication Year: 1999
Total Pages: 40
Language: English
Classification: Magazine, USA_Souvenir Jain Center MO St Louis, & USA
File Size: 4 MB

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learned. I will also continue to expand my knowledge on Jainism by reading articles in Jain Digest and Jain Study Circular. My college also gives the opportunity to learn more about the Jain religion by offering seminars and classes.
Practicing Jainism within the college campus is something that must be done on the individual level. Keeping up Jainism is feasible if one makes the correct effort to do so. I consider Jainism a way of life and I can continue to do the little things in my life the Jain way at college. The five basic principles will always remain part of any practicing Jain's life whether it is on a college campus or anywhere in the world. One can continue being a vegetarian and practice Ahimsa. Other Jain principles such as: Truth (Satya), Nonstealing (Asteya), Celibacy (Bramacharya), and Non-possessiveness (Aparigrah) can also be practiced. Jainism has taught me to "live and let live." But more importantly, Jainism has taught me to "live and help live." I know that I will continue my community service efforts and my constant commitment to helping others when I go to college. I am proud to be a Jain and I will continue to have that same pride within the college campus. "Jainism is not a sect or just one more conflicting ideology it is a way of thinking and living." - Gurudev Shri Chitrabhanu."
Now, after experiencing two years at college and two years away from home, I have a new perspective on Jainism on the college campus. While at college I never had the problem of practicing Jainism. It was different
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because I did not have monthly Jain Center meetings to attend or Pathshala classes. However, I still had the opportunity to recite the Namokar Mantra and read books on Jainism. I also had the opportunity to discuss Jainism and my way of life with fellow Jains and people of other religions. In fact my Jewish roommate and I always compared and contrasted our respective religions. When I was asked to explain Jainism to her, I learned more and understood myself better. In high school whenever I had to make decisions, I always had my parents to call upon. Now I have to make decisions on my own. Sometimes they are simple and other times the choices I make will effect me in the long run.
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If I am not sure whether I am doing the right thing, I always look to see that I am following the five basic principles of Jainism.
Before I left for college, I always wondered whether I would be able to practice Jainism, keep alive the Indian culture and stay myself. The answers to these questions turned out just the way I wanted. Jainism and the Indian culture are still an integral part of my life and this has helped me remain the person I have always been. Sure I have grown and matured, but my way of life has not changed. No one should question the power of Jainism and the strength Jainism gives you. Jainism will always be with me and will be with everyone if the effort to practice the religion on an individual level is made. Just as I thought before I left for college, it is feasible to maintain Jainism anywhere and everywhere if you have the will to do so.
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