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EXHIBITION
a great media of communication and dialogue
Despite its formidable history, the Jain faith has less than 10 million members, the vast majority whom reside in India. Only 1% of the world's population is even aware of Jainism. This poses a challenge for many of us active in the interfaith activities.
Today, an estimated ten thousand Jain families live in North America. Though many go often to the temple, and some regularly attend pathshala Jain educational classes), few truly understand and apply the principles of Jainism in their day to day lives.
Why, a philosophy that has so much to offer is understood so little? This is because Jains, the followers of Jainism, have historically remained passive and complacent both in the practice as well as in active promotion of their great philosophy. "Understanding Jain Way of Life" a 72 penal JAINA exhibition, is our attempt to address this issue.
Background and inspiration:
As JAINA delegation was preparing to attend the Parliament of the World's Religions summit held in Barcelona, Spain, during the summer of 2004, JAINA thought that an exhibition on the introduction to Jainism could be very effective in this interfaith environment, where we were only a very small minority. A small 16 penal exhibition was constructed and displayed in Barcelona. The overwhelming success and positive feed back from that exhibition set the stage for the construction of a larger exhibition for JAINA 2005. With a strong support from JAINA Executive Committee, JAINA Exhibition committee was formed. And the exhibition was designed with the following purpose.
1. to educate its viewers about the Jain philosophy and its rich, scientific, and historic background
2. to expose the Jain youth to their glorious heritage
3. to motivate its viewers to apply these ideologies in their every day lives. 4. to unite members of the Jain community
This exhibition named Jain Way of Life' is dedicated to the youth, who are the future of Jainism. For illustration, the structure of panels is described. below.
The Essence of Jainism in this section, the three fundamental Jain principles are shown. It is important for better understanding, that a religion be able to be simplified. This simplification may, in no way, replace the complex philosophy. It is merely a condensed form of this philosophy, and is therefore easier to practice.
Panels in this section - Essence of Jainism, Non-Violence, Anekant of the Jains, The Blind Men and the Elephant, Aparigraha.
14th Biennial JAINA Convention 2007
Jain Education International
112
For Private & Personal Use Only
Sudhir M. Shah Sudhir@ahimsainc.com
Compiled by Sudhir M. Shah, Chair, Exhibition Committee Sudhir M. Shah chairs the JAINA Exhibition Committee. He has been involved in Jain education for over 10 years and is a Jain representative of Yale University Interfaith Group.
The exhibition is available on loan to any center at
a nominal cost to support the JAINA exhibition projects.
PEACE THROUGH DIALOGUE
www.jainelibrary.org
