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

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

Page 53

PRACTICING JAIN RITUALS
well.
As we know, Paryushan is the most auspicious time for Jains. If you can't make it back to home for it, don't worry! Check if there are temples nearby holding the festivities including pratikraman. Sometimes people even offer their homes for this purpose. However, if you don't feel comfortable going alone, there are English versions of pratikraman published and online, and they are not difficult to obtain. JAINA has published one, as well, which can be seen here in PDF:
http://www.jainelibrary.org/book.php?file=000241
These only take an hour or so to do. I used to do it in my own dorm room, and I had a Jain friend who joined me once in a while. Take advantage of Jain youth groups on campus, if they exist. Or you can even just find a few Jain friends with whom you can spend time with during Paryushan. You are not alone! If you ever feel that
ay, contact Young Jains of America (YJA) at education@yja.org to find ways to get connected to other Jains around you. There are also many YJA Facebook groups and events for the various regions around North America. Make sure to search for and add them on Facebook!
"A person who meditates for a few minutes a day to purify his mind surpasses one who has done penance of fasting for days" "Religion does not guarantee that there shall be no sorrow or suffering. But it does guarantee that there shall be strength to face them calmly." -Unknown
BEING JAIN IN COLLEGE