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 141

Personal Perspectives of Members on Impact of Jain Center in Their Lives
Bharti C. Shah
In the past ten years, the Jain Temple has dramatically affected and changed my life. The Jain Center has enabled my family to understand and practice our Jain religion. Though we are so far from India, it feels good to know that our religion, morals, and traditions are still being practiced and taught to our children.
Tapasya is so hard to our body, but Jain Center has given us that inner strength and happiness which makes so called tough Tapasya a piece of cake. We have good thoughts, and feelings when we visit our temple. The temple gives me a peace of mind and fulfillment. Due to the enormous Jain activities, we are able to understand our religion and are able to console others in need.
The Jain Center has allowed my children to understand the Jain religion and have compassion for others. JCYC has given my children a sense of value, commitment, and discipline. Different activities such as JCYC, swadhyay, and lectures have given us a better understanding of Jain philosophy. The Jain Center has given me a sense of belonging to the Derasar and to the Jain community.
Overall, in the last ten years the Jain Center has provided a means for young and adults to participate in social, educational, and religious activities and remain involved in their Jain community.
Congratulations to the Jain Center of Southern California.
Jainism makes me who I am. It makes me realize why I am here and what I need to do. Being Jain helps me be a better person. - Natasha Gandhi (15)