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JAIN DIGEST⚫Winter 2007
traditions in mind syllabus has been complied from various texts of different traditions. Lessons are written on board with relevant charts and illustrations. The students are very keen to study Jainism and they actively participate in each and every class. They have voluntarily given up eating Kandmul.
The Swadhyay group too meets weekly, and follows the scripture without any specific course work. The Swadhyay helps the participants in their daily life tremendously. Out of 6 participant Physicians two are now doing daily Swadhyay at home after they joined study group. They have advanced their knowledge by independent study. They might turn out as Scholars in future. All have given up eating root produce and doing chovihar. The Center has an extensive library consisting
about 1500 books on scriptures (Gujarati, English, Hindi) on Jainism. Hamukh Shah is the coordinator and the main motivator behind the Swadhyay program.
"JAINA is helpful [with Pathshala education], but not to great extent. JAINA literature by Dr. Prem Gada is helpful as it gives
balanced information."
Jain Society of Toronto
Pathshala: 115 students, ages 3-14+; Swadhyay: 15-20 families We have age based 5 levels of classes. Curriculum is based on age and student's knowledge .Non sectarian approach is adopted, with material, practice, and teachers selected from all traditions. We greatly appreciate the work done by JAINA Education Committee. All Pathshala students are provided with appropriate Jain Education series books upon registration. JAINA should continue updating the JAINA series books by adding lesson plans, sample home work plan etc. At Level 4 and 5 students are also given individual projects to work on. Multiple adult activities are carried out there is an adult monthly study group, a Bhakti group meeting twice a week and a Samayik group that also incorporates discussions, Tattvarth Sutra and Kalpa Sutra vanchan that meets 3 times a month. On first Sundays we study Samayasar, second Sunday Vachnamrut, with discussion on Shrimad's letters, fourth Sunday Bhakti followed by Shrimad's letter related discussion, as well as Samayik followed by open discussion on a given topic in a home environment. English and Gujarati languages are
used. Bhakti Bhavna is also conducted in Hindi.
The Swadhyay definitely helps in achieving one's spiritual goal. It is at a different level for everyone and although not measurable by any external means, one can observe 'Evolution' in thinking, behavior and relationships of the attendees. The regular Mumukshus have happier family lives, contribute more in running the Jain Center, are more generous in giving to the Sangh in both time and money and most important of all, their children follow parents' example and become professionally and spiritually educated to be worthy citizens of this world.
Jain Education Intemational
Some innovative ideas include: presenting Jain themes in the form of plays and musicals, arranging yatras of tirths in North America and India, going to Bidada and Dharmpur to do seva in human and animal welfare, essay writing on Jain topics in various competitions and going to local schools and TV stations to present Jain dharma, taking part in inter-faith movement, working with provincial and federal governments to recognize Jains as a distinct group resulting in Jain holidays on the calendar, Jain food in school cafeteria and similar benefits. Tulsa Jain Sangh
Pathshala: 5 students, ages 7-15; Swadhyay: 6-10 adults
JAINA books are followed for instructions. Working with visual objects helps students understand better. Outside of Pathshala,
the students attend other ceremonies as time permits.
discussion. Bhakti Bhavna is not part of the regular Swadhyay. The Swadhyay group uses books, tapes, videos for their The participants have seen definite benefit by this exercise. JAINA can provide material that is grade based 1-12
Boston Jain Center Pathshala - A Cradle of Jain Youth Education in N. America
Pathshala: 130 students, ages 4-30; Swadhyay: 10-15 adults All of the members of the Jain Center of Greater Boston (JCGB) take deep pride in being part of the first Jain Center in the United States. Many of the current Pathshala traditions originated in Boston and were soon practiced in many other Jain Centers, both here and abroad..
JCGB Pathshala started in the late 1970s with 15-20 students. By 2005, it had grown to more than 130 students. Pathshala sessions are conducted on the first Sunday of every month. However, more frequent meetings are held outside of the first Sunday in order to prepare for JAINA/YJA Conventions, as well as the Paryushan and Diwali programs. In addition, we hold Swadhyay classes for adults which run at the same time as Pathshala. The adult class is not a formal part of the Pathshala organization. However, the Pathshala staff views the class as a motivational tool for the parents so that they may learn alongside their children. The JCGB Pathshala staff has also assisted several new centers in starting their own Pathshala programs.
Study of Jainism
JCGB Pathshala has seven levels and a recent Rookies addition for preschoolers - along with their parents. Level 1 is generally for children in kindergarten and first grade. Levels two through four are tailored towards children from second through eighth grade. Level 5 is primarily for high school students and Level 6 is for college students and young professionals. JCGB Pathshala students from Levels 5 and 6 generally present major items at
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