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Publisher's note: JAINA sponsored an essay competition as a part of its ongoing commitment to the progressive development of Jainism in North America. The main topic of the 1998 JAINA Essay Competition was Maintaining and Representing Our Religious and Cultural Identity as Jains in North America.
There were a total of 123 participants, 45 from ages up to 10 years, 60 from ages 11 to 14 years, 16 from ages 15 to 18 years and two from ages 19 and older. There were 101 participants from Jain Center of Southern California, 11 from Jain Center of Greater Boston, three from Jain Center of San Diego, two from Jain Center of N. California, two from Jain Center of Chicago, two from Jain Center of Connecticut, and one each from Jain Center of Toronto and Florida. JAINA thanks each and every participant, and their respective Jain Centers for their efforts, enthusiasm and affection that they have shown for the Jain religion.
JAIN DIGEST is publishing the first place essays in all four categories. The winning essay by Riddhi Mehta, age 8, in the 'up to 10 years' category was published in the Fall 1998 issue. The winning essay for the ages 11 to 14 years' is reprinted below. The remaing two will appear in forthcoming issues. All the prizes will be awarded at the 10th Biennial JAINA Convention in Philadelphia this July.
First Place Essay: 11 to 14 years
Maintaining and Representing Our Religious and Cultural Identity as Jains in North America By Shadrule Shah, Age: 13
As in the words of Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, "Jainism is really neither Hinduism nor Vedic dharma. It contributes to the advancement of Indian culture and study of Indian philosophy."
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Those words are true in every sense, in the sense that Jainism is a religion with its own destiny, and own goals, separate from all other religions. But Pandit Nehru did not mention at the time he had said this, that Jainism has contributed not only to the advancement of Indian culture, but to the advancement of the world. It was one of the world's first religions to bring up the theory of reincarnation, only to be proven right by many scientists in the later centuries. Jainism has also helped provide theories to the everlasting mystery the universe's substances, size, mass, etc. etc. Vincent Smith, a historian, said, "Jain ethics are meant for men of all positions." Think about that. This quote says the practice of Jainism is beneficial to all people. The theories of ahimsa, satya, brahmacharya, asteya, and aparigraha, all set the standard that all Jains should live by...
Jainism is a religion that fascinates me in the way that it covers everything, from Acaryas, (head masters) to yatis, (chiefs) and more. First of all, this dates back to the times of Adinath, and his self-triumph over his 100 sons and 2 daughters, and his mother (when he took diksha, he "did not" recognize his "mother," and he led his sons and daughters to diksha, after Bharat had taken over all of their land) and 599 BC when Mahavir was born. A new light was shed on the world. A new door was open, and a new wave of ideas came from him in the years to come. Jainism is a religion that can claim to be one of the world's oldest religions, and that makes it so interesting to research. What I mean by that, is that Jainism affects my everyday life, and every day of history corresponds to my life. Jainism also fascinates me in the sense that it believes in the
teachings of 24 gods, many holy scriptures (like the Kalpa Sutra) and many other kevalgnyanees, such as Gautamswami, instead of the teachings of one book, and one god. This way, if one person does not believe one's teachings, (which they should not doubt) they can refer to another scripture or holy monk.
Jain Education International 2010_02
Also, Jainism is deeply involved in the field of science. As I said earlier, Jainism was one of the world's first religions to provide a theory to the everlasting mystery of the universe. Jainism was the first religion to come up with the theory of the six substances of the universe (matter, space, time...) and Jainism can claim to have historical proof of kevalgnyanees on the earth after Mahavir's death. (Umasvati, Jambuswami, and so on) The richness of Jain history is part of what I find so fascinating about Jainism. Jainism shows compassion to all living things, human or not, as Lord Mahavir had mentioned and demonstrated. (Chandanbala, Chandracaushik the snake, his brother Nandivardan, Gautamswami...) Our fundamentals, along with Hindu and Brahmin fundamentals, have created more awareness towards all living things. In fact, partly because of our efforts, 21% of all adults are vegetarians today. Many Jain farms have been set up around the U.S. and have helped escaped farm animals live a peaceful life. This has affected me in so many ways. To be honest, I do not let my friends harm a living animal when they are around me, and I try to tell, not force them, to be considerate of these animals.
Also, Jainism has many roots, and rules, which fascinate me, because they are so detailed, and just so "right." What I mean is that these rules are all true, and they help yourself, and others. There is more about this after the listing of the guidelines. The 5 vratas, (mentioned earlier) the 3 jewels, (samyak gnyan (right knowledge), samyak darshan (right faith), and samyak charitra (right conduct}) the 12 household conducts for Continued on page 16
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