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

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

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PARTIES, ALCOHOL AND DRUGS
07 - Parties, Alcohol, and Drugs Going to college should be very exciting for you all. And it is only human to want to fit in. You may be pressured into drinking or doing drugs, and you may even feel the need to do so. But, in reality, you don't need to change anything about yourself to fit in. I'm sure many of you have been exposed to drugs and alcohol in high school, but it's different then because you're living at home and surrounded by lots of security and family. In college, you'll be surrounded by more of it and have the independence to make decisions about it on your own. Within this chapter, I will address the science/health aspects of drinking/drugs, the Jain perspective, reasons I do not drink/do drugs, and what you can say at parties to stay strong. What is the difference being fitting in and feeling like you belong? Fitting in is being liked based on others' expectations which has an external focus. Belonging is feeling loved and cared for, for exactly who you are. This has a more internal focus. So how do we make that shift from fitting in to belonging? We do that by realizing that having that experience of belonging is an outcome of being aware of own's values. When you have identified your values and found others who share your values, you are being celebrate for who you are.
Take some time to journal the following: 1) Name 3 values that are important to you. 2) What are some actions you can take that are expressions of those values?
What is important here and what I'm trying to get at is that it is important you're living your life with intention and awareness. Ask yourself why you're choosing to make the decision you're making and if you are really staying true to who you are. You will always have some mental conflicts, so hopefully this helps you with future decisions.
While Jainism does not promote the use of drugs or alcohol or partying behavior, some Jains may engage in these behaviors. If you choose to do so, it is important to do so safely.
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BEING JAIN IN COLLEGE