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JAINA CONVENTION 2011
that there was no need and compromise was possible. They explained to me why sharing and non-attachment are important. Now, my sister and I happily take turns to use the iPod Touch, eliminating her desire for a new iPod and my attachment to it. My parents refused to buy these products not because they cannot afford it, but because they knew we did not need it.
I am very happy to not only be born in a Jain family, but also to be able to learn and apply Jain principles in my life. I have been able to learn religion since childhood and have been able to implement them even in the difficult times of the 21st century.
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(6) Shalini Dangi (Class 5) Ages 13 to 15 2nd Place
What is the definition of a Jain? Some say that it is someone who is born into a Jain family. Others can argue that it is someone who frequently goes to derasar or takes regular classes on Jainism. Yes, these definitions are partially true. However, in my opinion, the complete definition of a Jain is someone who carries out the principles of Jainism to their best ability, not because of family or out of habit, but because they truly believe in them. Because most of us are common people that live in society, following Jain principles strictly is hard to do. Instead, we try to follow the less absolute guidelines in our day-to-day lives. I apply the Jain principles of non-violence, nonattachment, non-stealing and truthfulness in my daily life.
The first principle I follow, non-violence, calls for equal treatment of all living beings - no matter their size, shape or number of senses. It states that all beings have the right to live and should live with other beings in peace and harmony. I incorporate this principle into my life by following a vegetarian diet and not purchasing materials that are derived from
"Live and Help Live"
animals. In a perfect world, to obtain something from an animal for human use, we would wait for the animal's natural death and then take it to use if it were necessary. However, the sad truth is that instead of respecting animals, we have created an industry that does the exact opposite. The industry solely produces animals for human consumption and does not treat them well in order to obtain what humans argue is necessary. Basically, by being a vegetarian and by avoiding simple products, like leather and silk, I do not support this industry and therefore, minimize violence in that aspect of my life.
In addition to non-violence, Jainism also preaches non-attachment. Jainism believes that the more possessions or attachments someone has, the more likely they are to obtain karma - leading them away from liberation. However, coming from a family living in a good part of the United States, imagining my life without many of these attachments is very difficult. Throughout my entire life, I have always had caring family, friends and even material possessions that make my life incredibly comfortable and easy to live. It is when I think about the lives of others that are not as fortunate, that I understand this principle. I realize that although I am lucky enough to be able to have all of these possessions, most of them are not necessary. Because of this realization, I sometimes stop myself from buying anything unnecessary and focus on those things that I could find really useful. In this way, I can limit certain attachments, and therefore incorporate non-possessiveness in my daily life.
Lastly, I apply Jain principles in my life through non-stealing and truthfulness. The principles of non-stealing and truthfulness both basically state that we should be honest in our actions, words and thoughts - nonstealing by not taking what does not belong to us and truthfulness by always speaking the truth. By breaking these vows that can sometimes be tempting, I have realized that the outcome is never good. When you think about the end results that could occur from not following these principles, they always end
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