Jain Spirit 2000 03 No 03

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

Page 65

VIEWPOIN
ATUL SHAH
IT'S OK TO BELIEVE
The Jain tradition provides young people with
valuable principles to help us deal with practical day-to-day problems. It can be a path to real success, argues kajal
Sanghrajka
Children performing an aarti at a Young
Jains event in London, October 1999.
nother thrilling morning of double physics and here I am once again in the cafeteria, happily munching on
my eggless muffins and minding my own business when I am approached by the school terror himself... Hey! You're in my seat...move NOW!” followed by a quick shove and there I lie on the floor, bewildered and left to contemplate how to tackle the situation in hand...should I retaliate to salvage my pride or walk away in peace? A hundred and one thoughts ran through my mind but finally I picked myself up, stared at my tormentor and walked away. My actions were then proceeded by taunts of coward' and 'wuss' by the halfwitted students whose preferred source of amusement is watching fights. As I passed them in the corridors, I ignored their comments and realised that I had achieved something I never thought possible: control over my emotions.
Today's youth are confronted with conflicts every day whether it be at school at university or at home. Our education will teach us the laws of science, literary criticism, and algebra but who or what can help us deal with such practical conflicts effectively? I find some good answers in Jainism. Students are under the impression that religion merely amounts to tiresome rituals and stringent rules which impose restrictions on their daily lives. However, if Jainism is examined more closely a whole new perspective comes to light. Principles such as Ahimsa (non-violence) allow us to exercise self-discipline so that our reactions to conflicts are conditioned positively. Restraint of human emotions, especially in provocative situations, is one of the most difficult responses. By applying Ahimsa, we can learn to think first and then channel our energy away from anger and hate so that regrettable consequences are avoided.
As a student, I realise that today's generation find it difficult to understand how philosophies dating back to 2500 BC can be of any value in modern day society. On the contrary those very philosophies could not be more relevant. The concept of Anekantvada (pluralism) allows us to observe situations from the other party's viewpoint so that a
compromise can be established. This concept may go a long way to resolve those conflicts that arise at home. When the relationship between parent and child becomes strained, the blame is all too often directed towards the 'generation gap'. Although this factor is significant, disagreements with parents must not always be attributed to differences in background but also to differences in attitude. The outcome of a situation depends on how we see things rather than how they are.
A common conflict for young people arises when they are denied their freedom. For example, by the age of 18, most students are keen to stay out late and explore nightlife, especially in London. Inevitably, parents are concerned about their childrens' welfare and the harmful influences they may encounter. When parents impose restrictions, we must respect their concern in protecting us from detrimental influences. However, where possible, parents must also allow their children the freedom to make their own mistakes so that their learning and judgements attain a new level of maturity.
At university, I witness conflicts everyday. However, young people rarely know how to deal with them and progress. Many students are too concerned with their mobile phones, what looks impressive on their CV and ways in which they can get into the blue chip companies and climb the corporate ladder after graduation. However, I do not think they will achieve lasting success and happiness by behaving this way. What many people disregard is that employers consider personal characteristics such as problem-solving and teamwork as critical. Our values are as important as our intelligence, if not more.
Kajal Sanghrajka is a first year student at the University of London.
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Jain Spirit . March - May 2000