JAINA Convention 1991 07 Northern California

Author(s): Federation of JAINA
Publisher: USA Federation of JAINA

Page 58

JAINA CONVENTION YOUTH SOUVENIR SECTION
Jainism: A pillar for support
by Anuja Shah, New York, NY
most valued and basic principles, such as the strong belief in vegetarianism, as well as my own moral codes, were established on the basis of Jainism. Thus, I was quite fortunate to have been exposed to this religion at the time of my upbringing, for which I have my parents to thank.
At times, I have used Jainism as a "pillar" for support, when the burdens of life seemed overwhelming. Often, when I am lured towards roads that are known to be dangerous or which appear to be falsely secure, the "light" of Jainism helps me to relocate the proper path. In addition, Jainism has attempted to provide a source through which the purpose of life Also through the eyes of Jainism, I can be explained and understood more learned about India itself in terms of its fully. In a world in which so many double temples, customs, rituals, and also about standards, hypocrisy, and immorality other religions, which Jainism accepts exist, Jainism provides a vehicle upon wholeheartedly. It has given me the which, if steered correctly and with genu- opportunity to not only acknowledge, but ine sincerity, salvation can be reached. also actively participate in Jain temples/ As one grows up, the surrounding functions, to associate with the Jain comenvironment plays a key role in deter-munity, to build friendships among Jain mining the final shape that ones inner youth and thus, become at least more of self will be molded into. Some of my an Indian than I might have otherwise
what
WATCH WHERE YOU'RE STEPPING!!
THEIR MURDEROUS FEET SUSPENDED SAFELY ABOVE THEIR UNSEEN BRETHREN IN THE SPRING GRASS BELOW, THE NON-MEAT-EATING, NON-PESTICIDETREATED-VEGETABLE EATING, NON
ANIMAL-TESTED-MEDICINE-USING, NON-DAIRY-CONSUMING, STRICTLY COTTON-AND-POLYESTER-WEARING "CRITTER DEFENDERS* PONDER THE HAPPY FACT THAT THEY ARE FINALLY... TOTALLY... COMPLETELY COEXISTING IN PEACE WITH ALL LIFE ON THIS PLANET...
IT MAY NOT BE CUTE AND FURRY, BUT THAT SNAIL HAS THE SAME RIGHT TO LIVE OUT ITS LIFE AS A BABY HARP SEAL DOES.
become. Indeed, Jainism has been a stepping stone for me to not only expand religiously, but also to develop into a better person in general.
WE EAT THEM, WE WEAR THEM. WE TORTURE THEM FOR SCIENCE. WE POISON THEM ON OUR CROPS... AND WE EVEN WALK ON THEM!!
• 6TH BIENNIAL JAINA CONVENTION
I must admit that there are many times when, for various reasons including ignorance and lack of discipline, I seem to drift away from Jainism. However, because of all the positive and productive results that Jainism has had on my life, I shall always feel extremely fortunate and blessed to have been born into, and grown up in, a Jain atmosphere. Thought the pace may be slow and at times halted or even reversed, my endeavors to become a "true" Jain shall always continue. I only hope that the right guidance required to do this will also always be available. Jai Jinendra.
·
WE'VE GOT TO TAKE ACTION ON THIS!!
© 1990 by Berke Breathed The Washington Post Company
SNAIL,
I DON'T
MUCH LIKE WHERE THIS
15 ALL DRIFTING.
JULY 1991 - 56
HOLD IT! WE'RE BREATHING AND MASSACRING MILLIONS OF GERMS
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