$JES 983 Being Jain In College An Experiential Guide 2nd Edition

Author(s): Sonali Vakharia
Publisher: JAINA Education Committee

Page 24

ROOMMATES AND DORM LIFE
roommate know in the kindest way possible, whether it be on the first day or later on. If he or she still doesn't listen, tell him/her again. And, if it becomes a huge problem or something you can't tolerate or deal with for the year, you can always ask the RA for advice or try to switch roommates. But, try to resolve conflict in the most peaceful way possible. Try to find a middle ground, but sometimes, you may have to "give in."
Tolerance and Understanding Things to keep in mind:
You may have to share a fridge, freezer, room, trashcan, or microwave with non-vegetarians Your roommate may have a boyfriend or girlfriend and have them over often
He or she might be a slob • He or she might party often or throw up in the middle of
the night You cannot always control these things. In these cases, you have to develop tolerance and understanding. Try to see your roommate beyond any incidences that annoy you and appreciate him or her for who he or she really is. Keep in mind that they make mistakes too, just like you.
Respect and Patience What helped me to gain respect and have patience was using Anekäntaväda. Anekäntaväda is one of the most fundamental ar important concepts in Jainism. As mentioned earlier, this is the understanding that multiple viewpoints exist and that no single viewpoint makes up the complete story or the complete truth. This is very important to me, especially in my relationships with people. It gives me a lot of peace, because I can be conscious of the fact that another person may have a reason or viewpoint that I may not understand because I am not in their position.
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BEING JAIN IN COLLEGE