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

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

Page 51

EXPLAINING JAINISM TO OTHERS
worst situation is when someone tries to tell you you're wrong. It's important to remain calm and not argumentative when this happens, as Jains should. That's when I bring up the concept of Anekäntaväda.
I say, "Hey, we each have our own beliefs and perspectives, and in some way, we are all correct, and there's no one correct way. I have my own beliefs, and you have yours. I think it would be interesting to hear yours." (That last part is good if you really want to change the subject and to let it be known that you are open to their beliefs!)
The Jain philosophy can be applied universally. Most people are looking to better themselves, so never fear explaining Jainism to others! Whether it comes to discussing what I believe, purchasing music rather than downloading it for free, avoiding meat, not harming insects, or anything else, by demonstrating and explaining my Jain beliefs to non-Jains, they manage to become more conscious of their own thoughts, words, and actions Again, remember, Jainism is not the one and only universal truth. Every religion and belief has something positive to offer. So, continue to be respectful, accepting, and inquisitive. This will help mold you into the best human being you can be.
Doubt and Figuring Out Your Faith In college, I had to do a 50-minute presentation on Jainism for my World Religions class. Taking everything I knew about Jainism and compiling it into 50 minutes was one of the most difficult tasks | had ever had to do. Not only did I have to prioritize what the most important concepts would be to teach to people who knew nothing about the philosophy, but I also had to question my own beliefs.
After doing some research, I had to work out what I found to be inconsistencies in belief and practice. This led me to have a 6-hour phone call with my mom and to undertake more research in order to fill those holes in my understanding of Jainism. After presenting and being asked many questions about Jainism, I left that class feeling more knowledgeable on Jainism, and having an even a stronger faith in the philosophy. And, that is when I learned that when you are able to teach something well, you have learned the topic well.
BEING JAIN IN COLLEGE