Jain Spirit 2000 03 No 03

SR No.: 528983
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Jain Spirit UK
Publisher: UK Young Jains
Publication Year: 2000
Total Pages: 66
Language: English
Classification: Magazine, UK_Jain Spirit, & UK
File Size: 14 MB

Page 31

LIFESTYLE
ATUL SHAH
GOOD PARENTING
viewpoint. Any idea or statement should be considered from different points of view. Ideally, this should result in a non-dogmatic approach to the doctrines of other faiths. Therefore a person should not denounce the view of others, Accept what is good, regardless of where it comes from. If the people of the world would accept this principle of Jainism, many world problems could easily be solved.
The external environment also influences a child's upbringing. As parents we may feel that we cannot influence this directly, yet it
affects our child. This is where I believe Three generations
parents should also teach the importance of community, by actively getting involved in community activities, whether they be at school, or among Jains. Parents should not
draw a boundary for their caring in the Parents often want to do the best for their children. But home. The caring should extend to the wider what is 'best' in a Jain context?, asks T.J. Salgia community. In this way, children will not
only benefit from a larger circle of friends, Then a child is born, he or she does not know right but they will also learn through example the importance of
from wrong. It is the duty and responsibility of the serving the community. In fact, children actually love serving
parents to teach and provide all that is needed to and helping, if they are guided and encouraged. help in the moral and spiritual growth of a child, so that he or The founding teachers of Jainism prescribed Maha-vratas she becomes a true citizen of the world. Without true parents (ethical doctrines or vows) for us, householders, to help us there cannot be a true family, a true country or peaceful world. keep in line with the religious beliefs. These principles are also
When we talk about true parents, I consider there is more the foundation of good parenting. It is essential for a true Jain than one type. There are those who brought us into this to follow these vows. The vows are: world, and there are others who give us knowledge and • Abimsa (non-violence) - not to cause pain, anguish or the wisdom, so that we can become good citizens of the world. destruction of any living being (man, beast, bird, etc.) through We may get valid knowledge from various sources, and we mind, speech or body. Be kind and compassionate with others. should consider that there is an element of truth in all of them. • Satya (truth) - truth in thought, speech and deed. Always Yet we have to have a standard of true parents. Who is qualified seek the truth. Never speak an untruth or do not associate with to set the standard? According to Jain tradition, an omniscient persons who speak untruth. teacher has the power and moral authority to set such rules for • Asteya (non-stealing)- do not commit any kind of theft nor the community. As the saying goes: "charity begins at home", take anything without being given. therefore first and foremost, parents have got to make a good .Brahmacharya - Restraint in sexual behaviour. home for their children, and to children they are the • Aparigraha - Simple lifestyle through necessary possessions immediate parents. When they fail in this endeavour, we all and active avoidance of excess. Charitable giving of what is in know the outcome. Therefore, true parenting is vital for the excess of our needs. survival and the salvation of human beings.
Once again it is the duty and responsibility of true parents Jain omniscience teachers, whom we call Jinas or to teach what is right and wrong. As the saying goes: "strike conquerors of the inner enemics (anger, greed, ego and when the iron is hot". This means to me that from the deceit), have taught a concept called anekantavada (multiple moment a child is born, true parents should provide good and points of view). Apart from ahimsa (non-violence), this is the meaningful education and culture so that their child could biggest gift of Jainism to the world. We must all understand become a good citizen of this world. that we should not be one-sided. The views of others may be as valid as our own. This philosophy states that no single Dr. Salgia is a past president of JAINA and Director of Jain perspective on an issue contains the whole truth. Substance, Spirit. This is an extract from a paper presented on Saturday time, place and conditions of the observer, all affect the October 30th 1999, in Washington DC.
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Jain Spirit • March - May 2000