ISJS Jainism Study Notes E5 Vol 03

Author(s): International School for Jain Studies
Publisher: International School for Jain Studies

Page 86

3.0 Application of Ahinsă in schools
3.1 Case Study-1: ISSJS2012.3W-Ahiṁsā July 1st to 21st 2012 attended by 14 school teachers from USA.
3.1.1 Objective: To prepare high school teachers (Kg-12) for practicing and teaching Ahiṁsā to enhance personal and social harmony, peace, development and wellness in their schools.
3.1.2 Methodology used: Learning the fundamental basis of Ahiṁsā in class room lectures and discussions, Observing the real life in schools, Visualize the many dimensions of Ahiṁsā through group discussions and Experience (feel the change in the self) through spiritual practices such as Sāmayika in Jainism.
3.1.3 The Program: The program planning started in February 2012 when the participants prepared their applications for admission to the program. They were asked about their previous exposure to Ahiṁsā and what they expect out of the program. Based on their interests as mentioned in the applications, each participant was requested to write an essay on a predetermined topic (related to Ahimsā) for further deliberations during the program.
On arrival in Delhi, the first day program started with the orientation viz. getting to know each other, briefing about the living conditions in India and understanding individual aspirations. This was followed by screening of the famous movie 'Do Ākhen Bāraha Hātha' (2 eyes and 12 hands), directed by the great Jain director/actor V. Shantaram, showing exemplary application of Ahiṁsā to transform the six deadly convicts into peaceful citizens by a jailor who is committed to doctrine of Ahimsa and has strong belief in himself and the potential goodness in everybody including the convicts. The movie was followed by extensive discussions on its central message and salient features such as “All living beings are equal and have the potential to achieve the highest goal, empathy/identification with the victim, compassion, forgiveness, confidence in self and in others, teaching by example". Each subsequent day started with a short prayer (Meri Bhāvanā given to all participants in English depicting the Jain way of life, ML King's --We shall overcome, Gandhi's--Raghupati and others)
STUDY NOTES version 5.0
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