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ACHAL SHAH EXAMINES THE CHALLENGES OF BEING AMERICAN AND JAIN AT THE SAME TIME
reedom and discipline are opposites. America encourages individualism and freedom whereas Jainism teaches discipline. Ours is also a culture of
material well-being and consumption. All this may appear as being at odds with some basic Jain values, for example, non-materialism (aparigraha), self-restraint (saiyam) and contentment (shaucha).
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On closer examination, there really should be no incompatibility with the values per se. These shores have long welcomed those seeking the freedom to practise their religion. Cherishing, individuality means that there is no compulsion to blend in' and give up one's values. Self-progress can be applied to ethical progress just as easily
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