Jain Digest 1999 04

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

Page 27

Navkar Mantra 3 times in the morning and at night, as well. By saying these prayers, I hope to be getting rid of karmas. I use these prayers sometimes to help me calm down. If I am very angry or upset, or even if I can't go to sleep because I'm thinking about something, I say the Navkar Mantra and it helps me become more peaceful and relaxed. Another thing I do to practice Jainism is some days, during Paryushan, I do upvass and clasnu.
Vegetarianism is a very big part of my life. I have always been a vegetarian, and I am sure that will never change. I think it is very cruel and unjust to kill animals for food when there are plenty of other alternatives. It is true that sometimes being vegetarian can be difficult. Last year, I participated in a school trip to Washington D.C. There, for two or three meals, we were taken to Mc Donald's. All I could eat there was a salad, french fries, or a piece of apple pie. Not a very substantial meal, if you ask me. But still, I did not back out on my views of being vegetarian, and did the best I could with what they had to offer. This type of situation has occurred many times. I have gone to parties and on other trips where they only serve meat, and never once have I just eaten the meat because I was really hungry. I have always found alternatives, and have learned to take my own food with me on certain trips. I also try to inflict my views on others. When my friends come over, I only serve them vegetarian food. They don't seem to have a problem with it, and just recently one of my closest friends has decided to try becoming a vegetarian. She came to me asking for ideas on what to eat, and I gave her many. She enjoys being vegetarian, and I'm glad that I could help.
Other ways of practicing non-violence and many other small things have also influenced my thinking and way of life. I try not to use any animal products such as leather and silk. I do not see the reason for killing animals just for human benefit. I also try to use cruelty-free products, such as shampoo and conditioner, lotion, soaps, and makeup. And, whenever I see any bugs on the ground, I do not step on them or purposefully kill them. I try to be a nonviolent in my words and thoughts. I keep any thoughts of hurting anyone or anything out of my mind, and if someone is complaining to me about someone else, I try to remain neutral and do not make any comments that would hurt others. I practice celibacy, nonpossessiveness, non-stealing, and truth as much as I can. Even when people tell me stories of how they took something without paying for it, or how they lied to their parents, I never feel like following their example. Another concept I follow is multiplicity of views. This is an essential part of my attitude when working in groups. I have been doing so many group projects these past couple years in school, that this concept has become a great way for me to reduce conflicts. It has taught me that my views are not the only ones. Other people could have different views that could be totally valid. I may even like someone else's views better than my own.
Jainism really helps me make good decisions. By using the views, I can decide what's right and what's wrong. For example, all those times when I went to parties and there was only meat to eat, I used my judgement and Jain principles to decide that I wasn't
Education Intemational
going to eat the meat. Also, I went to a party where people were doing drugs or drinking. I was afraid that people would pressure me into doing something, but I used the Jain principles to decide that I wasn't going to disrespect myself and do anything bad. Whenever I have a conflict with someone, I know not to fight them or say anything that would hurt them. My friends and I always have disagreements, but I try not to let anything bother me, and I don't say anything mean to them. If the situation is really bad. I've learned to just discuss it, rather than screaming. I also try to control my actions and emotions. Whenever there is a crisis, I do not overreact and cause pain to others.
In the future, there is a lot I plan to do to keep Jainism alive. While I am still young, I will continue attending Patshala and Sutra classes, making sure I understand everything. I will continue to practice Jainism in everyday life, and as I grow older, improve more in the principles I practice in everyday life. For example, I will make sure that I try even more to always tell the truth and be nonpossessive. I will limit my foods such as potatoes, carrots, and onions, and do more fasting and prayers. I wont drink or smoke. Another thing I plan to do is participate in Jain camps and conventions. I also want to serve on the JCYC committee at temple so that I can help organize activities for the temple to get more people involved with JCYC. I plan to increase the awareness of Jainism by promoting non-violence at school and in my neighborhood. I can do this by writing articles for the school and local newspapers.
When I am an adult, I will attend the adult class at the temple, send my kids to patshala, and encourage other friends and family to come, too. I will also teach a class at the temple so that little kids can have good judgement and the right thinking at an early age. I will also donate money and time to improve the temple. I will give money and some belongings to charities such as Red Cross and the Salvation Army so that other less fortunate people will be able to get things they need. I will give money to organizations to save the rainforests and the ecology of our planet as well, so that animals and plants can live safely, without destruction or pollution from humans. Throughout my adult life, I plan to give small lectures at high schools or colleges about Jainism and how it can benefit everyone's life. Through this, I hope to gain support for Jainism and possibly have people convert to Jainism.
There are many obstacles that I can see, but none that I won't be able to solve. I know I will encounter peer pressure to do drugs or to drink. This will probably make me uneasy and unsure of what to do, but I know I will be strong and not give in. I will have to be confident of my ways and not let others tell me what to do. I also know I will have problems being a vegetarian because America is a very non-vegetarian environment. Everyone here loves meat and not many people seem to care what they're eating. I can solve this by finding an alternative. When I go to a place where they only serve hamburgers, I can simply ask for one without the meat. That way, I am still getting all the lettuce, cheese, tomatoes, etc., but I am not
JAIN DIGEST SUMMER 1999/25
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