Jain Digest 1998 07 Vol 14 No 03

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

Page 18

"There is nothing more powerful than an idea. No weapon can destroy it, no power can conquer it, except the power of another idea." YOUNG MINDS (continued)
The YJA Convention: A Weekend to Remember
When I entered the bustling lobby swarmed with eager faces anxiously anticipating the upcoming events that the weekend at the 1998 YJA convention had promised, I was well aware that I did not consider myself to be a follower of the Jain religion regardless of the fact that my entire family lineage had been adamant disciples of Jainism. At the Jain temple, Mummy admired those teenagers who completed "athai". My grandparents practiced the strict Jain dietary regimes and refused to eat after sunset. Year after year, I relentlessly did pratikraman while not having any earthly clue as to how sitting for three strenuous hours with one knee slightly raised and a handkerchief over my mouth followed by the declaration of "Michchhami Dukkadam" would help me repent my sins. I was only aware of the slow constant ticking of the clock as I uncomfortably adjusted the position of my sleepy legs and dozed off into daydreams while Mummy silently reprimanded my restlessness. with bold glances and disapproving nods. The practices of Jainism did not ever come of any shock to me. Probably at the very moment I learned to speak, my Dadima (grandmother) taught me how to clasp my hands together into a lotus bud and chant the Namokar Mantra three times every night before I went to bed. I was at the point in which implementation of the closely knit Indian culture and the ritualistic practice of the Jain religion in my life by my elders. did not suffice in allowing me to claim the Jain religion as my own.
Belonging to a family, whose last name depicted the Jain religion, I felt almost as a heretic for my uncertainties; however, I needed answers. I needed convincing and valid rebuttals to refute my skepticism in many of the Jain traditions.
My first YJA convention this summer provided me with an insight on the Jain philosophies-an aspect of the religion I desired to be exposed to. Being a vegetarian all my life, I always believed in the concept of ahimsa; however, the discussions aided me in taking these beliefs to a new height. The discussion titled "Got Milk" reinforced my convictions of veganism. In the past, I have attempted to follow the dietary vegan tenets primarily in order to maintain a healthier diet; the explicit information I received on the cruel treatment of female cows solely for man's selfish needs persuaded me to strictly follow the vegan way of life, not only in its dietary doctrine, but in its extensive ideology. Balbhadraji explained the scientific background of the soul beyond the aspects of good and bad
"For me, the purpose and the experience of the convention were somewhat different. I sought answers to questions that governed much of the Jain traditions, and methods for self-improvement."
-Rakhee Jain
by Rakhee Jain karma, and the discussions offered ways in which we could apply Jainism to our daily lives.
For the many young Jains that had never before been immersed in an environment primarily filled with peers of the same religion and an almost identical heritage, the convention took on more of a social aspect. They arrived at the convention seeking a comforting social circle in which they could relate to each other an integral part in dealing with the of clash of cultures in our generation. For me, the purpose and the experience of the convention were somewhat different. I sought answers to questions that governed much of the Jain traditions, and methods for self-improvement. The convention succeeded in resolving much of my queries. Some questions were answered and some methods provided. Hopefully, others remain to be resolved at other upcoming conventions.
Neela Gada (Chairperson of HYJACC) and Raju Shah (Co-Chair of YJA) at the opening ceremonies.
3rd Biennial YJA Convention
July 2-July 5, 1998
Houston, TX
The Rass Garba on Friday night.
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