Jain Digest 2007 04

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

Page 12

Jain Digest. Summer 2007
Trolling atop a horse called change - Bindi Mehta
Vivek is that inner insight which helps people draw a line. It helps build boundaries within which women can act assuredly, behave in a dignified manner, keep their character and reputation intact and gain respect in everyone's eyes.
JAIN WOMAN
A new day, a new challenge, a new achievement! This seems to be the mantra printed on most minds as young women step out of their homes to play multiple roles and meet expectations aplenty. In the fast-paced world that we live in, where change is the order of the day, if a woman doesn't adapt and learn, life will not treat her well.
Suppose if a young woman wishes to go out with her friends into the late evening, her vivek would help her decide which activities she can engage in, what she should eat and what not, what would be an appropriate hour for her to stay out till etc. Vivek is thus, a much-needed inner scale to help young women weigh important decisions while setting foot into a rapidly progressing world.
Everything in our world seems to be changing - the traditional roles laid out for women, the way relationships are defined and maintained, the way companies and individuals are conducting trade and business and, crucially, the way technology is impacting our lives. These aspects have largely redefined the way we perceive and live life.
SATTVA: i) Conviction and courage to stand up for what is right ii) Defend the truth without getting carried away by popular opinion
Among all this, if Jain women reflected upon the philosophy In a world driven by materialism and success, it requires courage of the Tirthankars, the path that can lead every soul to to stand up and defend a lifestyle characterized by voluntary nirvana, they would find innumerable aspects, which they tyaag or giving up. Tyaag is the base of Jain philosophy; it is a can incorporate into their lives and emerge as winners on all path propagated and implemented by all our Tirthankars. "Can fronts, personal and professional. Let us briefly look at some there be any joy in giving up?' - the world may be baffled by gunas (merits), which can help women stay rooted in today's this thought. However, Jainism has shown with conviction that turbulent times.
happiness lies not in fulfillment of desires, but in overcoming
desires themselves. AUCHITYA: Doing what is appropriate (uchit) as per the situation and Satisfaction, helping others, being kind towards all living time
beings, be it a life in the form of a water particle or be it the CEO of an A-listed company, inculcating values like
forgiveness, humility, straightforwardness and content in a We are often confused about how to divide our time between
world that nurtures cut-throat competition and a 'go-getter conflicting priorities. "Am I not being loyal to my various
attitude, earning money by sticking to ethical means and in the roles?' is the question that could pop up in the minds of a lot
process supporting those with lesser opportunities, these are of women while simultaneously trying to manage manifold
lifestyle choices driven by deep conviction and faith. Sattva will
lifestu responsibilities. Auchitya is a tool which can provide a way out thus, help the new age-woman stand up for what is right. of this predicament. It simply says 'weigh the situation and act accordingly, do what is appropriate at that point of time'.
Jain history has given us many women like Sulsa, Chandanbala,
Maynasundri, Anjanasundri, Sita etc. whom we can hold as When a woman is in office, completing company work should ideals. The gunas described above will help women grow with be her top priority. However, if there is an elderly person in her a changing world while still being true to themselves. family, who needs immediate care and attention, leaving work unfinished on that particular day, is also justified. Similarly, going out with friends is fun but not at the cost of disappointing parents and family who need you to be there. Thus, auchitya can help every woman create her own space while also being
Inquiring Jayanti loyal to her duties.
Shravika Jayanti, from the time of Tirthankar VIVEKDRASHTI:
Mahavir, is an illustrious feminie figure. By i) Knowing the difference between right and wrong asking meaningful questions, she satisfied her
inquisitiveness and learned a great deal on soul (gneya) and worth achieving (upadeya)
and matter from Mahavirswami himself
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