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AL 2005
and home. If the river of Jain culture could not be brought here from India, we were happy to bring buckets of water in the hopes that over time a new river would form. Today, our children have established YJA, YJP and other Jain youth organizations. Similar developments are seen in other countries as well.
But today we are still at crossroads. What will the Jainism of the Future look like? What part of our heritage can we impart on our youngsters? In what form? What will survive and what will disappear? And how do we pass on this heritage? What are the roles of youth, parents, educators, religious leaders and institutions in the process? These are some of the issues we need to address.
To find a
happy medium
between tradition and freedom, we need to have
better communication
between generations to understand each other's
needs.
As reflected in the aspirations and achievements of YJA, YJP and other organizations, we have done a good job at giving 'wings' to our children. Now, our young Jains are exploring new paradigms and creative ways to customize the religion to suit their needs, thinking, and lifestyle. On the other hand we are finding it difficult to "keep our youth within the tradition and to retain its involvement in the community" (YJA research Report, Harvard University).To find a happy medium between tradition and freedom, we need to have better communication between generations to understand each other's needs.
The emerging Jainism, as envisioned by our young Jains, is characterized by the following features:
1. One Religion
Our youth will see unity in diversity. Rather than emphasizing the differences they will emphasize the similarities. With such a unifying mentality,
they will follow a Jain philosophy common to different sects. 2. Knowledge-based Rational Approach
Instead of relying solely on Faith and Devotion, our youth will explore the rational aspects of Jain practices through the study of Jain literature. 3. Relevance and Meaning
They will question the usefulness of practices such as Pratikraman in its
present form, Snatra Puja and other ceremonies recited in Prakrit or Ardhmagadhi. Adapting some of the practices to today's lifestyle and translating the material into English are some of changes needed to bring relevance and meaning. 4. Emphasis on Internal rather than External Practices
They are more likely to follow the internal, meditation-based practices
rather than symbolic, external ritualistic expressions. 5. Coherent and Consistent
They will strive for a logical, coherent set of Jain beliefs and a harmony
between principles and practices. 6. Emphasis on Basic Jain Values
Young Jains will live by the broader principles of Jainism such as Jiv Daya,
in Heritage in Weste
Extending Jai
Western Environme
50 Jain Education International 2010_03
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