Jain Digest 2001 03 Vol 18 No 02

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

Page 29

YOUNG JAIN PROFESSIONALS :
YJP Embraces the New Millennium: Fourth Annual YJP Conference in Everglades National Park
From its inception in 1997, the Young Jain Professionals Organization (YJP) has come a long way. The seed was planted when a group of young Jains envisioned having an organization devoted to the needs of a growing population of North American Jains those just beginning their professional lives seeking to better incorporate Jainism into their professional and personal lives. YJP strives to increase the knowledge and application of Jainism principles Jains between 24 and 39. This is done through creative events that promote our understanding of Jainism as well as encourage professional and social networking.
The 4th Annual Young Jain Professionals Convention was held in Florida from March 2nd to 5th, 2001. Young Jains from the US, Canada and England left their hectic lives retreated to the Everglades National Park to engage in peer-led introspective and educational discussions based on the Jain Vrats, or vows; Asteya, Ahimsa, Aparigraha, Bhramacharya, and Satya. Creative scenarios, role-playing, and smaller group discussions were used to explore the application of the five Vrats in our daily practice of Jainism. We noted differences between how the Vrats apply to householders versus sadhus and sadhvis. We identified those pressures stemming from home, work and social situations that challenge our adherence to the Vrats and ultimately our ability to attain Moksa, and explored "Jain" ways to deal with such pressures.
The weekend began with opening remarks by our keynote speaker, Professor Anne Vallely, from McGill University, who led an inspiring and insightful presentation illustrating the broader perception of Jainism in North America, that is rooted in ecology,
environmental concerns and is an evolving tradition as we are faced with new challenges daily. Dr. Vallely did her doctorate dissertation on Jainism from the University of Toronto. She has written Custodians of the Lokottar: An Ethnography of a Jain Ascetic Community, based on her research among Jain ascetics in Rajasthan. Currently, Dr. Vallely teaches at McGill University and Concordia University in Montreal.
Dr. Vallely, and our five facilitators, Ms. Paulomi Gudka, Mr. Amar Salgia, Mr. Gabriel Figueroa, Ms. Neha Jhaveri and Dr. Rita Kothari are commended for an exceptional job! In order to better understand the application of the Vrats, a Jain Experiment was initiated to encourage each participant to take a vow to practice the five Vrats in thought, word, and deed, to the greatest extent possible, beginning a week prior to the conference; individual experiences were shared in a wrap-up session.
In addition to nourishment for the soul, our bodies were energized by the gourmet vegetarian cuisine that was served. We were very lucky to have a chef that found the vegetarian/vegan menu a personal challenge. His efforts far surpassed all of our expectations. Participants also took advantage of the many outdoor activities such as canoeing, kayaking, bicycling, and hiking. Rest assured there were no casualties from alligator encounters. In addition, the participants enjoyed a sunset riverboat cruise with an informative guide who spoke of the history and wildlife of the Everglades.
The Fourth Annual Young Jain Professional Conference proved an invigorating experience for all who participated. All had a wonderful time, as old and new friendships were strengthened and participants had the rare opportunity to discuss applying Jainism to our daily lives in a National Park setting. A special thanks to all the participants for making the event a success!
Upcoming Elections:
Are you interested in being involved with YJP to encourage the practices and principles of Jainism in creative and interactive ways? If you would like to work with a dedicated, fun and energetic group of young Jains and are between the ages of 24 and 39, inclusive consider getting involved with YJP. Learn more about YJP by visiting our website at http://www.homestead.com/ip/ Elections for new officers will be held in July/August...please contact any board member to ask questions or get a perspective of their experience in serving on YJP. The contact information can be found at the bottom of the next page.
YJA Executive Board will have open positions. this summer. To join the board, please visit http://www.yja.org for regular updates or email Birud.Jhaveri@yja.org
JAIN DIGEST SUMMER 2001./27
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