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in life, we Jains practice the vows of nonviolence, truth, non-stealing, cleibacy and non-possessiveness. We Jains understand the nature of reality and calmly accept success, disappointment and adversity. The Jain practices of prayer, worship, introspection and forgiveness help us in this respect. They help us in avoiding and relieving stress.
Jains In The Twenty-first Centry: These days, all Jains have used the opportunities for education. We Jains are intelligent and educated. We understand the basic tenets and unique features of our religion. We are also aware of the impact of scientific and technological advances on individuals and society. We should look for solutions to our day-to-day problems in the light of the principles of Jainism - rational perception, rational knowledge and rational conduct, and the principle of multiplicity of viewpoints. We should realize that the basic tenets of Jainism are eternal. They can not be modified regardless of the norms and attitudes of others around us. However, we can reform and refine our religious practices. We should maintain purity of mind, speech and body. We should minimize environmental pollution. We should practice nonviolence - the supreme religion. These practices will help us to maintain our physical and mental health. These will give us peace of mind.
Jainism is a rational religion. It teaches us not to adopt blindly what other individuals, religious groups and communities without examining them carefully. We have to first examine the impact of any custom and tradition on our lives and on the lives of others around us. Thus we should not pick up things such as drinking, drug abuse, gambling, dating and divorce because they involve considerable mental violence and may lead to physical violence as well. We need not adopt such things just because others do them. We need not indulge in pursuit of materialism without thinking of the effect of our actions on other individuals, society and humanity at large. This will help us in maintaining our identity as Jains. In conclusion, practicing the teachings of Jainism will bring peace and happiness in our lives for all times to come. (reprinted with permission from Jain Study Circular(published by Jain Study Circle, Inc.) July 1998. issue.
COMMITTEE NEWS..
KER
YOUNG JAIN PROFESSIONAL(YJP)
Young Jain Professionals was organized to increase the awareness and understanding of Jain principles and heritage by promoting networking among Jain professionals. Our target age group is 24 - 39 years old. Our objectives include:
A. To raise awareness of Jain principles through educational and interactive discussions B. To promote the application of Jainism in the professional and social aspects of our lives C. To engage in community service at our events and promote personal involvement in community service
D. To provide mentorship to younger Jains, and collaborate with Young Jains of America (YJA) and other Jain organizations to promote Jain ideals
Previous events include conferences in Miami and on a cruise ship to Nassau. In addition, we organized the educational programming for the 24 - 39 year old age bracket of JAINA 99 attendees.
Membership: We now have an Executive Board, are a committee under JAINA, and are ready to have an official membership base. Benefits of membership include: receiving priority notice of events, being able to register for events before non-members, and eligibility to vote in YJP elections.
Next Event: Our next conference is scheduled for March 2000 in Arizona. To receive a membership registration form or register for the next event, please send an email to shilpashah@attglobal.net We always have a need for more volunteers, particularly as we get closer to an event, so if you are interested in helping out, please contact the Director of the committee you are interested in. The YJP Board: Mona Kothari
(905) 820-0569 monesk@yahoo.com Chairperson Jugna Shah
(202) 797 1930 jjshah@kpmg.com Vice-Chairperson/Communications Director Saurabh Dalal (301) 577-5215
sdalal@erols.com Activities Director Ronak Shah
(651) 636-9833 rshahcpa@aol.com Finance Director Shilpa Shah
(404)321-4637. shilpashah@attglobal.net Membership Director Manav Jain
(714) 633-3609 manavj@yahoo.com Operations Director Birju Patel
(416) 494-0060 yipbirjupatel@yahoo.com Web Strategy Director
JAIN DIGEST- WINTER 1999 / 13
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