Jain Digest 1992 10 Vol 19 No 04

Author(s): Federation of JAINA
Publisher: USA Federation of JAINA

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growing up here in this JudeoChristian culture, Indian youths are under a tremendous pressure from two very distinct and different cultures. As a result, they have to balance many values and value systems, and constantly face many conflicts in their daily lives. This puts a lot of stress and strain in the environment (home, family, friends, peers, college, business world, etc.).
Practice of Indian Values: Many of the Jain youths have little or no knowledge of Indian culture and Jainism and consequently little or no faith and belief. Many of the youths are partly or completely nonvegetarians. Many of them drink (some are nearly alcoholics), some try drugs, do frequent dating on college campuses (true for both sexes) and engage in sexual activities. Their respect for Indian values is minimal. Knowledge of Jainism and Role of Parents: According to one youths, the first generation (parents) have been preoccupied with accumulation of wealth and material greed and as a result have completely failed in teaching Jain traditions to youths. Another youth said to me "Uncle, why do our parents force us to observe certain rituals which they themselves do not understand or have any knowledge of? Many of the youths do not believe in and like some of the rituals that the first generation so dearly and devotedly observe. Instead of rituals, they want knowledge and that, too, in a language which is their mother tongue (for most this is English) and not of their parents (Hindi, Gujarati, etc.). So far, there is no systematic, regular and proper teaching of Jain principles, philosophy and culture in a manner, language and style that youths understand and like. They want Jain teaching to suit the North American environment. On the utility of scholars, one youth observed that they are mostly for the entertainment of adults and not for the benefit of the youths. As a result, the youth involvement everywhere is minimal. While adults
Jain Digest
are busy indoors doing poojas and listening to sermons and lectures, youths are either completely absentor are found playingoutdoors. Just think, is this Jain education?
Non-Sectarianism - Talk or Walk!: Both the youths told me that they want non-sectarian education and knowledge of Jainism and philosophy. Most of the Jain centers talk of non-sectarianism but many of the actions are sectarian. Thus, we do not walk our talk. One youth observed, "Some of our temples in North America are becoming predominantly sectarian." The same youth asked me, "Are we real Jain yet?" (Note-He/she picked up from my write-up in Jain Digest, April 1992).
Another Glimpse: In the July 1991 Jain Digest, Sixth Jain Convention Souvenir issue, one youth wrote:
"We have organizations all over the continent which exist, supposedly, to keep Jainisma thriving religion in the New World. However, our leadership is horrible, not caring for the welfare of the community to which it owes its blood and sweat and the assurance of a brighter future for the next generation. Most of our executive board members, presidents and vice-presidents are, sorry to say, just lazy people who only care for themselves and their reputation at home and with their friends and relatives in India. Parents attend community get-togethers simply for the sake of getting together, to socialize. Most importantly, the religious experiences of the youth do not extend far beyond ritualism and dropping rice and bananas into metal plates! With such factors prevalent, the Jain youth remain ignorant.
The adults in the Jain community should be positive role models, but they impart nothing but bad influence. If parents display a lack of concern for Jainism, then how, in this respect, could there possibly exist positive influences?
The point of all this discussion is that the adults are not giving their heirs something which
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human beings (as social creatures) need to be able to accept: a feeling of uniqueness and of equality with those around them. These feelings come from an open, yet humble pride one has in what he is. We are Jains by birth, but we do not know the first thing about what a Jain is, and we do not understand the Jain system of thought (unfortunately, neither do most of the adults). It is really a shame, because hardly anyone knows that we have so much to be proud of. We are Jains, not Hindus. True Jains are the gentlest, most compassionate people on earth; we are the members of one of the oldest surviving religions; we belong to a system of thought that teaches its followers to reason objectively and scientifically, not blindly following the words of a prophet; we have never fought a war or cruelly forced others to accept our religion as others have! Parents have the duty to create, if not reinforce, this vital feeling of pride in their children which they need to feel that they are a whole person, not someone who should mimic the doings of others for social acceptance. Within the community, we need a hundred times more unity than we have now."
As you can see, I got a heavy dose of youths' concern. They talked plainly and with real interest. They asked several times "Under these circumstances, will Jainism survive in North America and will things change?" I told these youths "the glass is not half empty-it is more than half full." I will share this with you in the next issue of the Jain Digest. In the meantime, those who read this, I would like to hear from them. Jai Jenendra.
(To be continued in the next issue.)
Thank you
The Editor wishes to thank John Zimmerer and Sam McCoy for another beautiful job this issue, as well as Steve Jain for his help in proofreading.