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trapped in plastic waste and other animal sometimes get poisoned by human trash. Thus, by encouraging recycling and a green lifestyle, not only do we help the planet, we also live a more Jain way of life. By promoting these activities not just at the temple, but also in our daily lives at home or in the workplace, we can help live a more Jain way of life.
Another important method that Jains can use technology effectively is by using it in study class, or Paathshala. Recently, more and more high schools have started using technology in lessons. Teachers now almost daily use PowerPoints, video clips and online virtual demonstrations to help teach important concepts. We can also incorporate such strategies into presentations at our temple. Our Jain society of Greater Detroit is not a new one - the children of yesterday are becoming the adults of today, and as they grow up, they can help with leadership in our temple and contribute by implementing these new technologies and the new ways of learning they have learned here in college. By effectively using these online tools to help teach the younger generation about Jainism, we can ensure that the Jain values and traditions that we have preserved for centuries get passed down.
This also spreads a positive impression of Jainism for the rest of the world to see. If other groups see that the Jains are promoting a green lifestyle and helping the planet, they too will be encouraged to do so and the entire world benefits. After all, what better way to promote Jainism than in a way that also helps the entire planet and is deeply relevant to the 21th century.
But the possibilities for progress do not end here - the temple currently engages in many other activities that are beneficial for the world. One relatively recent initiative has been the use of recyclable plastic plates and utensils. The temple has hundreds of attendees to its many functions throughout the year. By using recyclable materials, we ensure that our damage to the environment is minimal. After all, this is in accordance with Jain principles - plastics and other trash materials pollute the environment and damage life. Marine animals sometimes get
In essence, we can help incorporate Jainism into life in the 21th century by using the tools of the 21th century to help us. By using technology like Facebook, YouTube and PowerPoint, we can help learn and teach more about Jainism. By promoting actions such as recycling and conserving resources, we simultaneously help the planet and live in a more Jain way, as this helps the global ecosystem. After all, it is our responsibility, as Jains of the 21th century, to use the resources we have at our disposal in the modern era, to promote Jainism and a Jain lifestyle.
Sources • Jain Philosophy and Practice 1
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Jain Story Book
http://www.jainlibrary.org/elib_master/jlib/007501_book_english_41/Tirthankar_Mahaveer_A_ Biographical_in_Verse_007502_TOC.pdf
http://www.tirthankar.com/GAN2.htm
http://socialcapital.wordpress.com/2011/01/26/twitter-facebook-and-youtubes-role-in-tunisia-uprising
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