Jain Digest 2007 11 1

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

Page 53

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JAIN DIGEST. Winter 2007
young VOICER
things like alcohol and drugs. Having learned about Jainism
Hemang Srikishan, University of Illinois in has helped me avoid getting coerced by people to get involved in these types of activities. Jainism has also taught me that
Urbana-Champaign JSMC violence never solves anything, so if any of my friends (especially Learning about Jainism has impacted me in all aspects of my boys) get involved in arguments and feel tempted to start a life because it has given me the framework with which I perceive physical fight, I make sure to strongly advise them not to do so everything. In college especially, I think the values that I have and I try to provide better alternatives.
taken from Jainism help me to focus well and accomplish my I am practicing Jainism everyday in college because every time goals, despite the many distracting things around me. Aside, I go to eat, I uphold my vegetarianism. Many kids enter college from practicing non-violence by being vegetarian and not being vegetarian, but sometimes they weaken and start eating killing things purposely, I try to be non-violent in speech and meat due to suggestions of friends or because of a lack of thought. My Jain values compel me to interact with others vegetarian options and home cooked food. None of these are with an open mind and a calm attitude. The most significant reasons to deviate from your values though, and I have made way that I share Jain wisdom is through student run sure to stay vegetarian all throughout school. If I see that any organizations at college. I am a very active member of the Jain of my friends, Jain or not, are considering converting to eating Students Association at the University of Illinois, which helps meat, I try to talk them out of it.
me interact with like-minded people. I am also part of the I try not to preach, but instead, just provide my input and opinion
Interfaith Club, which has discussions and meetings. I share in situations where it seems like my friends are on the verge of
my input as a Jain on whatever topic we talk about at such
discussions. making a potentially harmful choice. I don't want to force my beliefs on anyone, but if I can provide them with insight that might enlighten and help them, then it is worth it.
Ruchi Nandu, Senior at UC San Diego, JCNC Shital Shah, Midwestern Pharmacy University
Learning about Jainism has impacted my life in college in the
sense that I try and practice it regardless of where I am. Even (1st Year Student), JSMC
though I am away from home and therefore have to work a Jainism has greatly impacted my life and has guided me towards
little harder to maintain some of the core values, I still carry it the right direction. As a college student, I rely greatly on my
through even at college. It has also impacted me in the way values and beliefs in Jainism and see it as a guide and a shining
that I can carry out an intelligent conversation about some of path that I can follow. Learning principles of Jainism has allowed
these core values with some of my friends who may not be as me to deal with different situations in college. but most familiar with Jainism. importantly, it has given me the ability to make decisions about 1 incorporate Jain values in all aspects of my daily life, from what is right and what is wrong. It has also given me the strength being vegetarian to being tolerant and accepting a multiplicity to stand up for my principles and beliefs and justify issues of views of others. To me, being Jain is really just a matter of regarding non-violence, truth, etc. Overall, I truly consider being the very best person you can be in all aspects of your life, Jainism to be the rock in my life because it has shaped the whether it means telling the truth or showing nonperson I am today and has encouraged me to strive hard and possessiveness. The latter being a lot easier as a college student make further improvements in my life.
who doesn't have much to be possessive over. In college, I see a very high correlation between my daily lifestyle I have found that the easiest way to share the knowledge of and the practice of Jainism. For example, the best way I cope Jainism with others is to have a simple conversation with them. with exams or stress is by the practice of meditation. I have Being in an academic and intellectual setting it seems that the learned how beneficial meditation is because it has brought an occasion to have conversations about different religions comes immense amount of equanimity and peace in my life. I also up quite often. This in addition to being asked questions like incorporate Jain values in my life by the practice of non- “Why are you vegetarian?" ofren spur discussions of Jainism violence. Not only does this include eating only vegetarian and its basic tenets. foods, but also, looking at ingredients and minimizing root vegetables. I also incorporate non-violence through not
Drew Nagda, University of Indiana, Bloomington, purchasing any silk and leather products as well as simple things
IN, JVB, Orlando such as avoiding stepping on grass. The practice of non-violence to one's utmost capability helps bring a sense of compassion in Jainism has helped me minimize my stress, and it is a great way life. Furthermore, when shopping, I try to practice non- to pick up the Jain chhokris! possessiveness and think about this Jain value and how I can Learning the Jain morals and following them are two different practice it more in my lifestyle. Overall, by reading Jain books things. Trying to follow the 5 main vows is an everyday test or just setting aside some time during the day to think about that I aim to achieve. The best way to share knowledge is to Jainism has greatly brought me closer to my soul and has set good examples for others to emulate. encouraged me to be a better person.
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