Jain Center Los Angeles CA 1998 07 10th Anniversary of Jain Bhavan

Author(s): Jain Center So CA Los Angeles
Publisher: USA Jain Center Southern California

Page 131

Personal Perspectives of Members on Impact of Jain Center in Their Lives
Neil Doshi, age 14
carity
being of Sain this be
Jainism, because of its rarity in America, is a difficult religion to truly follow without guidance. Therefore, being a young Jain in America, I feel very privileged to have the Jain Center of Southern California so close to me. Jain Bhavan has helped mold me into the Jain that I am today and has built pride for Jainism in me. Without Jain Bhavan, I would be a spiritually lost person with an identity of being Jain, but no strong knowledge of it.
From the Jain Center's opening in 1988, my family and I have been quite active with it. We go there regularly for Sunday classes and special occasions. When I started to go to the Jain temple in order to learn more about my religion, my views on life have changed. I have been able to find explanations for all my problems and have, since then, become a strong vegetarian and now vegan. Every time problems in my life occur, I can find understanding in it through my knowledge of Jainism that I learned from going to classes. I feel proud that I am a Jain, and I owe that to having such a strong influence like my Jain Bhavan close to me.
The good thing isn't as much the actual temple, but the people and the community of Jain people that have sprouted because of it. The people that come to Jain temple all have a common bond, and we can relate to each other. I have found that the people that are part of the community surrounding the Jain temple are the most genuine and nicest people I have met. With the leadership of the Jain community in Southern California, our Jain Bhavan has become one that stands out from the others in North America for its good aspects.
Sometimes, I take my temple for granted, but when I think about it, I really feel very privileged. I have the chance to follow an ancient and wonderful religion with understanding because I have a Jain temple near me. Most places don't have a Jain temple or even a strong Jain community, and I feel lucky to have this opportunity
Jainism is my religion and I am proud of it. I have been Jain ever since I was born and I
am still glad to be one. - Pooja Jhobalia (13)
Jain Education Intemational