Jain Digest 1999 07

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

Page 28

"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)
Jain Education through the Millennium
YJA is making new plans to reach out to the Jain youth in America. The Education Committee has planned a few new projects to bring Jainism into everyone's home: ritually, spiritually, and philosophically.
YJA Education Committee:
One of our main projects is to collect and collaborate information from all Jain societies and complete a book that can be distributed to youths across the nation. We plan to have a interactive coloring section for young children, explanations of major theories for teenagers, deeper philosophical articles for college students, and information regarding diet/meditation and other topics to help young adults in this modern, fast paced, high tech society.
▸ We are also working on a Stavan Book with not just English translations, but with interpretations as well. We've learned that many youths hesitate to learn or participate in Jain rituals/stavan/bhajans because they don't understand what it means. In this society, young adults demand a purpose in what they are doing. This new Stavan Book will show the meanings and uses of these stavans.
In the future, we want to plan a trip in to Veeryathan India, for interested youth to get hands on experience in the medical field, or simply helping others. Young adults are
field, or simpl
Millennium Plan
interested in bringing Jainism into their lives by practical hands on experience. This trip is a way for youths to get religiously involved and fulfill their possible interest in medicine or other types of aid.
26/JAIN DIGEST FALL 1999
Jain Education Intemational
Additional activities would be to have local YJA representatives get involved with their Jain community and start conducting seminars, discussions, pathsala classes, and more. Younger children look upto their siblings and older youths the most. These older youths can participate in educating younger children and give one on one discussions and/or seminars.
YJA is moving ahead with the changing times of today's generation. We understand what hesitations, concerns or doubts young adults have about Jainism. We also understand what benefits, happiness and purity comes from Jainism. All of these activities mentioned above will have independent teams with team leaders, contributors, financial supporters, writers, organizers and more. This is your chance to lead a team or simply support a team and get involved.
We invite anyone and everyone to be a part of YJA's Millennium Plan. Please contact the Education Directors below to discuss your ideas and join a team of your interest. Thanks for your support, we look forward to seeing your name in our education projects
YJA Educational
Committee Directors:
Preparations for the first YJA Midwest Regional Convention are progressing well. We are expecting 300 youth between the ages of 14 and 30. Religious, cultural, and social activities, with speakers such as Balbhadraji, will give the youth a better understanding of Jain principles and practice and this convention will also provide young Jains the opportunity to learn from youth from other Jain Centers and the role Jainism plays in their lives. Registration forms are available online at http://www-personal.umich.edu/~ajshah/ yja/ or you can send in the form on the facing page.
Another activity YJA is planning is to have more communication between young adult Jains. YJA will be having an essay and art competition in various Jain published articles to promote awareness of various topics. Young adults can interactively comment and discuss issues that they may feel very strongly for or against. It will be an on-going Jain discussion over articles
Anita Shah
(anitashah@mail.com or 516/873-7104)
MIDWEST REGIONAL CONVENTION
"East Meets West: Tradition vs. Compromise of Jain Values" November 25-28, 1999 in Detroit, Michigan
Monica Shah
(monicashah@mail.com or 312/587-1241)
You contact the Midwest Regional Convention Committee at MWRCC@aol.com or the following co-chairpersons:
Binisa Shah, shahbini@pilot.msu.edu or 248/442-9474 Sneha Shah, SShah42@aol.com or 248/347-4576 Suchita Shah, Favafunk@aol.com or 248/477-1869
Please contact any one of us for further information or if you would like to help out in any way and we hope to see you at the convention!