Jain Spirit 2003 02 No 13

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

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NEWS FEATURE
TASTING THE MANGO
The Young Jains organised a creative convention in London which inspired a number of young people to understand the modern relevance
of Jain philosophy and science
feel this way, and what can we do to reverse it?
I believe many young people have at besta patchy knowledge of Jainism. They see elders going to the temple and then preaching to them not to eat meat, to fast if possible, not to eat underground vegetables. In short, a religion of do-nots rather than of do's. This is very often perceived negatively, and thereafter young people are put off by the word Jain. In addition, they find that elders are rarely able to
answer their questions, Mango dancing: playing full out
so they get frustrated
and feel that it is a very OUTH AND JAINISM dogmatic and irrational tradition. For often don't go together. Very those who know and understand
often, Jainism is perceived to Jainism and its history, this is a be a religion for old people. Many shocking experience, as Jainism is a young people do not see any relevance very positive, scientific and authentic in Jainism. I often find that for a large tradition. How do we reverse this number of people, the moment we misconception? What can we do to mention Jainism, a certain light inside show the scientific and positive aspects switches off and ear plugs are switched of Jainism? on. Yet, the values of Jainism are One organisation founded in the eternal. Its message is very modern in United Kingdom and now having a many ways. The world is beginning to global reach, has been addressing these acknowledge the health benefits of very concerns for fifteen years. They vegetarianism, the need to protect the have succeeded in attracting and environment (ahimsa), the insatiability inspiring young people to live a Jain of greed (aparigraha), the vital life, and more are enrolling every year. importance of integrity and sincerity This is the Young Jains movement. especially among leaders (satya) and Their latest international convention the importance of sustainability. So the was a unique statement on the modernquestion is: why it is that young people I day relevance of Jainism, and inspired
hundreds of young people to get excited and live by Jain principles. Over one hundred of the delegates to this two-day event were teenagers who came on their own free will, rather than under the pressure from their parents. And what's more, they loved every minute of it.
The organisers used modern techniques of life coaching and positive thinking, and combined these with Jain philosophy to educate participants to 'taste the mango' - based on a quote from Lord Mahavir: "Just as a mighty mango tree is hidden within the stone of a mango, so too does every soul have divine potential. Rest not until you uncover it." Many of the methods used to conduct the conference were derived from the techniques of personal development leaders like Steven Covey, author of The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People and Anthony Robbins, a famous American life coach who has written a number of books including Unlimited Power.
Every session started with a mango dance, where English pop music with a Jain message was used to get everyone to dance, loosen their bodies and play full out'. From the beginning people were asked to go with the flow of the convention rather than doubtor question it, the idea being that if we are too sceptical, we will not learn anything. In an age of intellectualisation where young people have loads of questions and are sceptical about everything, this formula gave the organisers a chance to convey their own interpretation of Jainism in a fun way. Explaining the importance of goal-setting, they showed that the ultimate goal for every soul was
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Jain Spirit . December 2002 - February 2003