Jain Spirit 2000 03 No 03

Author(s): Jain Spirit UK
Publisher: UK Young Jains

Page 37

YOUTH
All Pix: BRAHMA KUMARIS WORLD SPIRITUAL UNIVERSITY, LONDON
Maxi Jaze, lead singer of the world famous band Faith-Less', emphasising the importance of self-belief for achieving happiness.
GIVING POWER TO YOUNG PEOPLE
Young Jains could raise the quality of their lives if they tap into the great reservoir of wisdom that is in their inner spirit. With a clear sense of self-identity, they would live a very happy and prosperous life for
themselves and positively influence all around them, writes Maureen Goodman
Te live in a time when young people are being pulled
in all directions, and end up becoming confused and
disorientated. They often have great difficulty in choosing their education or career. They lack an awareness of who they are and what they believe. Rarely do they appreciate that their own inner conscience carries many of the answers. Adults often do not support their efforts to be themselves.
The future of our communities depends on the future of young people. Their future depends on their family, environment, education, socio-economic situation, i.e. upon the influences they are exposed to as they grow up during the most formative years of their lives. All of these factors have a profound effect on the development of the sense of identity, personality, belief systems and values. However, perhaps the most crucial factor is the ability of young people to respond appropriately to all these influences. Is the response a conscious choice that has been made, or an unconscious reaction to the situation they are in?
We must ask ourselves two key questions:
1)How can we help young people develop a strong and secure sense of identity?
2) How can we empower young people to make conscious choices in life?
In other words, how can we communicate and encourage the development of a sound value system that will create personal integrity and a better future for everyone? These are questions to ask in the context of family life, education system, media, the business, health, service and community life. It is important to consider how all elements of society can contribute to the development of young people. However, human beings are at the heart of all these institutions, and it is individuals who must be empowered for change.
Often there are good reasons why a young person may respond in a particular way. This may be for self-protection against bullying, racism or abuse, or to preserve a fragile sense of identity. A report published by 'Young Voice' examines the opinions of 1,400 young lads of what they think about life in Britain today. The views reveal the search for identity. As a 17year-old explains: "I think what is contributing to lad culture is a kind of identity crisis...there is no position in society for us to grow into."
The search for self-identity has to take us beyond what we
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Jain Spirit . March - May 2000
Jain Education Interational 2010_03