Jain Digest 2016 08

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

Page 5

Editor's Note
JainDigest
Jai Jinendra,
This Jain Digest issue is dedicated to the Young Jains of America. They adorn the cover page at the recent YJA Convention in Los Angeles which had 650 youth participating from July 1st to July 4th. This was an amazing convention and truly exemplary in every respect. Our salute goes to the YJA Board members who worked so hard with planning the successful event.
Om Shri Veetragay Namah
Jai Jinendra, Congratulations to all organizers and participants of the YJA Convention! It was awesome!! This issue of Jain Digest is dedicated to you, the Agents of Change!
After an overwhelming positive response to our April issue on the theme of "Compassion", all of us in the Jain Digest Committee were very excited to decide on a theme for the August issue. Considering that the YJA Convention was happening in July, we decided on the theme - "Young Jains". We came up with a few topics for the theme such as "Growing up as a Jain in North America", "Learning about Jainism" and "Practicing Jain Principles" and requested all Jain Centers to publish the request for articles in their newsletters. The response has been amazing. We received many articles on these topics; 14 are being published in this issue! In addition, we have 8 more articles related to Young Jains.
We thank all the writers for their heartfelt contribution. I feel privileged to have an opportunity to review the articles by these young writers - some as young as 14 years. Their understanding of Jainism, trials and triumphs in holding on to their heritage and belief system, their commitment to applying the principles of Jainism, their gratefulness to their parents, teachers and Jain Centers, shines through each article. So much so that is was hard for me to hold back tears of joy as I read their stories and I am sure all of you will feel the same way.
We also have two articles by young students who are not Jain by birth, but have benefitted by studying and following the Jain teachings. One of them, Allison Bergson, has joined our editorial team. Welcome, Allison.
Thanks to our editorial team members for their careful reviews of the articles and sending in their edits in a timely manner. And as usual, all these articles would not come to life without the hard work and creativity of our Art and Design team. Thanks.
In Seva, Dilip Parekh
One request, please e-mail your comments to us at jaindigestpublication@gmail.com. We would love to hear from you. We will also like to encourage our young writers. If you have any specific comments about their article, please write to us and we will pass along the message.
Jain DigestChairman's Message
I would like to thank all those who have sent their donations making it possible for Jain Digest to lower the publication cost of printing and mailing to 15,000 members free of charge.
I would also like to thank the members who sent emails complimenting the April publication of Jain Digest. The credit goes to the authors as well as to the Jain Digest editorial and graphic teams that contributed their valuable time and effort.
Jain Digest Committee wishes you all a spiritually uplifting Paryushan Parva. While celebrating this pious parva, let us internalize and look at our own faults. Let us focus on the purification of our soul, ask for forgiveness for the mistakes we have made and take vows to minimize our faults in the future.
If mind is wounded, Forgiveness has the power to heal. If anger is a disease, Forgiveness is the medicine. If resentment is darkness, Forgiveness is the light.
On behalf of Jain Digest Committee, I ask for forgiveness for any misrepresentation or omission of the material while presenting it to you to the best of our knowledge, skills and ability.
Your input and suggestions on what you would like to read in the publication will help us in creating themes of interest. You may email us your articles and any information that can be shared with the JAINA community members.
We are always looking for volunteers that are interested in contributing their time and talent in designing and content development. You may email us at: Jaindigestpublication@gmail.com
Thank you with warm regards, Mahesh Wadher