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COMMUNITY I COULD COUNT ON
by Rachna Varia
Community, togetherness, support, learning, and introspective awareness are all associations I have with the Jain Study Center of Raleigh. At least once a month, I could count on the family and community tradition of getting together for "Jain meeting." When I was young and the Indian community was still at an infancy stage, Jain meetings were the only reliable time I could count on being with other Indians. The Jain Study Center was not merely a time to learn the philosophy of Jainism, but to experience the culture and identity of being Indian.
The sense of community in the Jain Study Center was and continues to remain strong. Walking into a different family's house each month, I would feel enveloped by generosity, kindness, and personal interest. Every "Uncle" and "Auntie" would have a vested interest in all the children's emotional, spiritual, and intellectual development. This was clearly shown by the "Children's Hour" of the Jain meetings. Children from ages 2 through 22 would share and teach their knowledge about different Jain stories, prayers, and philosophies to the entire group. It was an empowering experience where children were not treated as "seen but not heard," but rather given a voice that was articulate and respected.
I was able to learn so much from the Jain Study Center in terms of trying to live my life in a certain way. The tenets of non-violence and multiple perspectives have helped me direct and lead my own choices and outlook. I know that my decision to become a psychologist is in part due to the complexity that Jainsim offers in thinking about ourselves and perceiving the world. I thank the philosophy of Jainism, but more importantly the community of the Jain Study Center that has helped me to understand and internalize this philosophy.
Rachna Varia holds a Ph.D. in clinical psychology and currently lives in Austin, TX.
AN EXTENDED FAMILY
by Neeti Doshi
As we approach the new millennium, I look back and realize how much the Jain Study Center has affected me. It has played an influential role in my life. From motivating me to do my best while on stage, to teaching me the morals and values of Jainism, the center has been another place for me to seek guidance and support. Along with the center's other contributions, the community members have acted as an extended family whom I can truly depend on and trust. The center has also put into practice the vital message of Jainism, "Parasparopgraho Jivanam!", which is the mutual assistance of all beings.
One thing I will never forget about the Jain Study Center is the continuous encouragement and sense of community, which it has provided. Because of this encouragement, I have been fortunate enough to learn a great deal about Jainism, as well as other faiths. I've learned through performances, lectures, and teachings, which the center has consecutively given. Without this center, our community would not be as progressive in our religion as we have become today. As a student of the Jain Study Center, I am eager to enter the new millennium with high hopes and best wishes for the center on its twentieth anniversary.
Neeti Doshi is a high school student at Ravenscroft, Raleigh.
Jain Education International
98
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