Jain Spirit 2005 09 No23

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

Page 62

YOUTH
Sack the Swanky Sari
AMI NASH ponders on the paradox of the Jain tradition of splashing out on weddings...
ord Mahavir once said, "Wants and desires have no end, and only the sky is the limit for them." As my family prepares for an
upcoming marriage, this truth has become a biting reality. Amid the growing fervour to plan the perfect fairytale wedding, it is easy to forget the Jain principles of non-attachment and humility, which we otherwise strive to follow. While a marriage indeed deserves celebration, the excessive materialism surrounding Indian weddings clashes with Jain principles.
From the customary ceremonies to bursting guest lists ranging from 200 to 1500 invitees, Indian weddings are expensive affairs. A reception hall alone can cost $30,000 USD. Sticker shock? More like spiritual shock. Jainism dictates that excess time and money should be devoted to helping the community, rather than to personal needs and events.
Without a doubt, the non-stop festival of week-long weddings with music, dancing and lots of good food is exciting and invigorating. However, it seems hypocritical to plug the virtues of non-possession and non-attachment (aparigraha anuvrat) while simultaneously planning day, afternoon and evening saris and matching jewellery for the bride. After all, right knowledge, right faith and right conduct (charitra) are required to attain spiritual liberation.
charity. Jainism is about conquering worldly attachments. How appropriate, then, to start a marriage by setting up a charity-fund rather than a gift registry.
doing away with materialism and following Jain principles, a wedding will become truly memorable.
Compromises between the demands of the traditional wedding and the teachings of the Jain dharma are definitely needed. Changes could range from using fake flowers to honor the principle of ahimsa, or bigger
changes such as reducing the wedding Ja Edubudget and donating the rem
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While in the excitement of planning a wedding we often resort to "the bigger, the better," it is wise to instead remember that true greatness comes with humility BV
Ami Nash is a busy Jain from Greenwich, Connecticut. She is in the 17th grade, where she enjoys reading and travelling. After being raised in two faiths, Ami's favourite aspect of lainism is anekantrada