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 71

JCYC Pathshala Teacher
by Pallaviben Gala
Our Pathshala has come a long way from its humble beginning of one class for students of all ages at a private home in 1982. We now have a variety of classes, designed for various age, ability, and needs of the students. On the 10th Anniversary of our Deraser, the Pathshala program is thankful for the constant support of subsequent Administrations and dedication of the teachers.
It has been the goal of JCSC to provide a wide range of opportunities for the students who want to learn about the Jain religion. Students are introduced to Jain studies starting with Navkar Mantra and names of the Tirthankars. They then go on to learn about the basic Jain principles like Ahimsa, Karma, Soul and Body. They also continue to learn more prayers. This is followed by the entry into the area of nine reals and 12 bhavnas, which they explore at increasingly higher levels as they advance. All along, the emphasis is on understanding the philosophy and applications in daily life in America.
The teachers work diligently to spark children's interest in Jainism. They spend time making sure that the students understand the concepts they are teaching. A variety of teaching methods is employed. Innovative hands-on projects work wonderfully for Pathshala-l students, whereas games and overhead projections interest Patshala-ll students. The older students benefit from in-depth discussions of Jain principles as they relate to current events. The teachers strongly believe that for our next generation to follow and practice Jainism, it is essential that the students understand the fundamentals well.
As we identify new needs, we start a fresh class. That is how we started the Mommy-and-me, Teen discussion, and the Sutra classes. The Young Adults class got started for the same reason. The Pathshala remains dynamic and progressive in keeping up with the changing needs of the student body.
The results have been extraordinary. We now have about 250 students in 12 classes. They are learning about Jain religion from fundamentals to fine details. It is very rewarding for teachers and parents to see the children learn and apply Jain principles in their daily lives. The phenomenal growth and organized functioning of Pathshala has made JCSC truly the trailblazer in the field of Jain education in North America.
Ahimsa is a principle that Jains teach and practice not only towards human beings but towards all nature. Jains have compassion for all forms of life. - Shreyans Parekh (11)
Jain Education Intemational