JAINA Convention 2005 07 JCNC

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

Page 95

JAINA LONG RANGE PLAN
A VISION TO LIVE AND PROMOTE A
JAIN WAY OF LIFE IN NORTH AMERICA
Article by: Chandrakant J. Parekh
Growing up as an American with Indian-born Jain parents, 18-year-old Shreyans has often experienced an emotional roller coaster between trying to fit in with his peers while remembering where his family came from.
"I didn't want to be identified as an Indian or a Jain", the Los Angeles student said of his heritage. "I would say, I'm an American.
Shreyans' experience highlights a challenge that older generations of Jains in the United States often face in conveying to their children and grandchildren the importance of cultural and religious traditions.
Jain families have resided in the United States for over 40 years. With enough time to absorb America, Jain immigrants and their American-born children still struggle to re-adjust and re-align with dual cultural identities. Reconciliation between the fast-paced American Way Of Life with traits of questioning authority, speaking up and doing your own thing, and the Jain Way Of Life (JWOL) with emphasis on dharma, cultural traditions and non-violent lifestyle poses a number of major challenges. Over the years some Jain communities and families have taken positive steps to practice, promote and pass on their cultures and traditions to their children even as they assimilate into the mainstream. However, major challenges still persist and need to be addressed at various levels as follows:
JAINA LONG RANGE PLAN
OBEJECTIVE: PRESERVE. PRACTICE & PROMOTE JAIN WAY OF LIFE JAIN WAY OF LIFE INCLUDES DHARMA. EDUCATION, CULTURE & NON-VIOLENT LIFESTYLE
CHALLENGES AT VARIOUS LEVELS
JAINA:
>Build a strung central organization >Build consensus and develop guidelines
>Provide common services
g
>Coordinate major outreach programs >Promete open communication and awareness
JAIN CENTERS:
>Build places of warship and educatiom >Coordinate religious, educational, cultural
and outreach activities
>Promate unky and oneness
COMMUNITY MEMBERS: >Practice Jata Way of Life
>Provide financial support for Jain Centers, JAINA and outreach programs
>Proste wares and practice non-vin Histyle
>Live, let live, and help others to live
JA IND
2005
Extending Jain Heritage in Western Environment
89 www.jainelibrary.org