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JAINA CONVENTION 2011
in some kind of bad consequence; stealing could lead to violence and non-truthfulness could lead to more non-truthfulness. By understanding this concept, I can stop myself from impulsively making bad decisions to steal or lie. This allows me to apply non-stealing and truthfulness in my life.
In conclusion, through the principles of nonviolence, non-attachment, non-stealing and truthfulness, I can practice Jainism in my dayto-day life. Even though I was born into a Jain family, go to derasar regularly and take classes every other Sunday, I think that the true reason I can call myself a Jain is because I believe in these principles. Although I may not be able to follow them strictly, I know that by following them little-by-little every day, I can work towards being a better Jain and a better human being all together.
L2R
卐
ཆཆཆ
Essays from students of Jain Society of Houston
(7) How Jainism has Influenced My
Life Currently & How Will Jainism Influence My Life & Career in Future Ketan D. Kapasi
Paralleling some of the oldest religions in the world, Jainism has stood the test of time as a religion that instills specific morals that create the foundation for a fulfilling life. While Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Hinduism, and a number of other worldwide religions preach
"Live and Help Live"
the ideals of a comparable nature, Jainism, in my perspective, sets itself apart by advocating more practical approaches to life and specific methods within it. From the three jewels of Jainism to the fourteen Gunasthana, different concepts throughout the religion piece together to form a quite complete explanation of the universe and its events. For example, there are eighteen Papsthanaks that note what all the major ways to accumulate karma are. Examples include Maithuna (sensuality), Dvesha (Hatred), Kalah (Quarrelling), etc. However an interesting connection can be made-four of these Paps are the Kashayas: Krodha (Anger), Mana (Ego), Maya (Deceit), and Lobha (Greed), #'s 6-9, respectively. As Kashayas are considered the root passions which cause all enmity and therefore draw Karma, it can be concluded that these four Kashayas are the keys that open the door to feeling the other fourteen Paps. But this idea of four giving way to fourteen can be expanded even more: Raga (Attachment) is described in a way that shows it leads to any passion at all. Only when we are attached to something do we feel any emotion over it-i.e. if my mom took away my Wii, I would only get mad if I were attached to it. This attachment leads to anger, which would lead to other Paps like Parigraha (Possessiveness) or Rati-arati (Liking/Disliking). On that note of interconnectedness, I will explain the implications Jainism has on my life. It will first be through how it has affected me thus far, how it will affect me in my life in the future, and finally what Jain principles I have not attained yet that I hope to in the future.
Although I have applied numerous Jain principles to my life in order to create a more forward and constructive mindset, I will only focus on the major ones. The first of these is the concept of the aforementioned three jewels. These three are: Samyag Darshan, Jnan, and Charitra; or, Right Faith, Knowledge, and Conduct. These three gems of Jainism are quite apt in everyday decision making. High school was the first time that I really applied these concepts, and they worked out in a very positive manner. During my freshman year, we discussed Samyag Charitra in class-later that week, my biology
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