Jain Center Minnesota MN 2007 07 Pratishtha

SR No.: 528771
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Jain Center Minnesota USA
Publisher: USA Jain Center Minnesota
Publication Year: 2007
Total Pages: 104
Language: English
Classification: Magazine, USA_Souvenir Jain Center Minnesota MN, & USA
File Size: 5 MB

Page 94

Reflecting Back - Youth Years
by Ketan R Gada
When I was young, the Jain Center of Minnesota did not formally exist and only started when I was in high school. Although my parents had taught me about Jainism and the teachings of Bhagvan Mahavir, I did not really take notice until we began attending the Jain religious meetings/Pathshala at the Hindu Mandir. The Pathshala could not have come at a better time, as I was getting to the age where I was asking the types of questions/inquiries that only the Pathshala can help to answer.
As a teenager the questions of where do we come from and why am I here were just a few of the questions that I began to contemplate. To my surprise the Jain Pathshala and Young Jains of America (YJA) began to help answer those questions and more. Attending first YJA convention at Chicago was an awakening for me as I learned so much about my religion, but also about my culture.
Living in Minnesota, I was not as exposed to so many Jains as some are accustomed to in bigger cities. This was the first time I realized that there were other kids that were going through the same things as I was. The YJA and JAINA conventions really gave me an opportunity to learn about Jainism in a fun setting with logical, rational answers to many questions. I truly cherish the conventions as I met so many great friends that I still keep in touch with even today
I am so happy to hear that the Jain Center of Minnesota is flourishing with the hard work of all Jains in Minnesota. The education and spiritual guidance it brings to the youth is priceless.
Congratulations and best wishes for the Jain Temple Pratishtha.
Reflections From Young Minds
Rohan Bhow, age 12 I have learnt a lot about Jainism in the last 5 years because we have a nice JCM Pathshala. We do our rituals and prayers together and also have fun. The Sunday school and the meetings brought me closer to everybody, and made everyone discuss their thoughts. I feel that the JCM has helped me a lot!
Ragini Bhow, age 16 JCM served as a second family to me, not just a religious organization! Throughout every meeting, I witnessed a warm & welcoming atmosphere. Their eagerness to teach the Jain values, and their deep cultural influence brought me closer to my heritage. JCM allowed me to retain my religious values and helped me live in a principled way, while coping with changing times. JCM developed me as an individual, and without having been a part of this organization, I cannot see myself understanding the true meaning of Jainism.