Jain Spirit 2004 06 No 19

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

Page 57

onfused? Well, like me, you may still be getting used to the word 'interfaith'...as I see it, it's all about the different religions of the world being true to their roots, but recognizing the presence and views of others and trying to promote harmony between them.
IF GOD IS A DI...
.... THEN LIFE IS A DANCE FLOR
It may not be what Pink had in mind when she penned those pop lyrics, but for me they conjure up an image of the ultimate interfaith party! Writes Rebecca Hoh.
So, if awareness and integration are such important concepts in today's world, I began to wonder what it means to my generation. That's when the Pink song popped into my head. If only one record was playing all night it would be one boring party, but once we get to hear what other people are listening to the dancing is far more exciting! For many young people today, being exposed to different faiths is almost as common as being exposed to different music and I think the result is similar. The Jain principle of anekantvada has promoted this kind of openness and respect for diversity for thousands of years. A wise sage once said, 'Religion is a candle inside a multi-coloured lantern. Everyone looks through a different colour but the candle is always there! No one is looking through the wrong or right window; we just see the candle differently.
YOUTH T
Project Dark by Jan Creamer: www.projectdark.demon.co.uk
We now live in a world where so many cultures and colours live on each other's doorsteps. Most young people have been born into a certain religion, and some even into two or three. Influences come from each parent, mobile lifestyles and a multi faith (or no faith) assortment of friends thrown in! I have been christened, an influence from my mum, but I also have an altar to Taoist gods in my living room, something from my father, while in my bedroom I have a wooden Buddha and an Om window sticker.
Wondering if others of my generation were also experiencing a multi faceted approach to faith, I decided to investigate...the following 'snapshot' conversations with young adults reveal that while they do have a sense of their own faith, but can readily accept the presence of others and find it second nature to embrace them. Five young people - four girls and one boy, as it turned out! - were willing to answer a range of questions about their faith.
DISCOVER MOREOVEERLEA
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