Jain Digest 1993 07

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

Page 26

Jain Digest
cal Jain
In addition, attending the convention gave me a greater knowledge and understanding of Jain principles. This positive will certainly help me to explain Jain doctrine to others who regard such convictions to be impractical, academic, or even absurd. In other words, if I know more about Jain religion, then I can confidently and fearlessly answer the questions of others. Attending the convention was undoubtedly the best thing that ever happened to me.
It was time well spent and time meaningful to my own inner revelation. The theme "Jainism: Past, Present, and Future" was one well chosen. Not only does it refer to Jainism as a whole, but if offers reflection into our individual lives as
for the older youths. Although many said that being Jain and being Indian were important qualities that they would seek for in a spouse just as many argues that living in the U.S., one should be more open in the "criteria" he/she applies. Similarly, there were differences in opinions in terms of dating only Jains, or only Indians, and whether parents should allow their children greater freedom with dating. Ultimately, though, most agreed that open communication between children and their parents was the key to solving many of the problems that were faced. Most, also, agreed that it was important to them to see Jainsim survive and flourish with future generations in North America.
well.
Mukund Shah*
Atlanta, GA
Dr. Sushil K. Jain, M.D.*
Chicago, IL
*Mukund Shah is young man who has just graduated from high school.
*Sushil Jain is doing his residency in Chicago.
Dear Editor:
about North American Jains.
During the youth seminar, Evolution of Beliefs and Values, the question came up on whether Jainism worships Idols or Ideals. The panelist answered that he thought that the Ideals were what Jainsim had initially started out by worshipping, but was threatened to vanish because there were no Idols to worship.
Dr. Bruce Constain, a Ph.D. in Jainism, taught the kids about Yoga and Atma. He involved the kids in a discussion about what the Atma is, what is included in it, and also that it can live eternally after one dies. He explained this in the beginning with a puzzle about yourself. Being alive
__?___=Death The answer is Atma, or soul. He said that Conscience, Happiness, and Energy are associated with Atma.
Dr. Prem Gada had an interesting and educational way of getting the kids to associate Jainsim with everyday life. He gave a pictorial presentation in which he said that every letter of the alphabet and every number from one to ten could be associated with Jainism in a way.
The Jain marriage that was acted was of great interest to both the youths and adults alike. The ceremony illustrate important customs and traditions upheld by the Jain community.
The cultural programs were very well prepared. There were a variety of acts on both nights, ranging from skits to dances as well as many other highly creative activities. The dances were really choreographed well, and the costumes were bright, colorful, and fun to look at. There were also many different varieties of skits performed to get across different messages. The commercials were a great part of the show. The Paryusana Pep was the funniest thing I had seen in a long time, and it was a good idea too. The little jingles were really funny. The Jain Society of California put on a hilarious skit about the communication and generation gaps between today's
Dear Editor:
The youth portion of the convention, overall, was very successful. Over the three-day event, children, adolescents, college students, and young adults attended many panel discussions, discussions, open group sessions, networking seminars, as well as meditation sessions and social get-togethers. At a panel discussion titled "Evolving Moral Beliefs," topics such as Jain vs. NonJain ethics, vegetarianism, dating and animal testing were discussed. Opinions and arguments on both sides of every issue were shared. At the open group sessions, lively debates centered around the importance of Jainsim in the next generation's lives, peer pressure, involvement in politics, as well as male vs. female career issues. Most of these events took place in fully-packed halls, with involved audiences and very interesting question and answer sessions.
Expectedly, dating and marriage issues were a focus of attention
I, personally, was expecting something very different from what I saw when I entered the Expo Mart for the first time. Although I don't remember the last convention, I didn't expect so many exhibits and arrangements. The exhibits were very well done. It was astonishing to see the time and work that all of these people had put into making this convention something to be remembered. The Boston exhibit was very interesting and educational. The main attraction of that was a wonderful replica of a Jain mandir. the booths explained the basic aspects of Jainsim in such a way that almost everyone could understand them.
The youth programs were a lot of fun. Almost 2,000 Jain youths was really an eye-opener because I just couldn't think of that number of Jain youths. You cannot believe it until you see them. The open youth discussions touched on a lot of questions that Jain youths today have
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