Jain Study Center NC Raleigh 1999 08 Twenty Years

Author(s): Jain Study Center NC Raleigh
Publisher: USA Jain Study Center NC Raleigh

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material possessions? Would my reaction be different if someone were trying to physically hurt me? What if he was trying to hurt someone else? Clearly, much thought ensued as a result of recognizing that there are serious modern implications for Jainism. This type of practical learning can be traced back to the religious teachings of the JSCNC. I realized through speaking with my friend about Jainism, that the JSCNC had taught me more that I had thought. I realized more and more about the issues that Jains face today, about the decisions that must be made in accordance with Jain teachings. Many other youths were very interested in learning more about Jainism and its teachings. They were amazed and very impressed by its moral and ethical guidelines for life.
The importance of the Jain Study Center of North Carolina, and any Jain center for that matter, lies in its ability to foster communication and keep Jainism flourishing, Without the study center, we would lose a very valuable cultural asset as young Jains in America. The JSCNC has been bringing Jain families together for the past twenty years under the auspices of a close-knit and dedicated organization. Instead of mourning the loss of traditional India, we are able to take advantage of modem accomplishments to enlighten others about Jainism. Through means of communication, such as the Internet and electronic mail, Jain youth have countless resources providing much information. We must welcome the opportunity and responsibility to preserve our heritage. For as long as Jain youth are taught to embrace religion and culture, Jainism and its teachings will flourish to provide solutions to society's existing problems.
Raja Jain is a senior high school student at Phillips Academy in Andover, Massachusetts.
What does the Jain Center of NC mean to me? by Satyen Mehta
Prior to moving to NC in 1984, I had no formal education about Jainism. When my family became a part of the Jain Center of NC, all that changed. All of a sudden, we were among a group of families who, along with children, would get together and sing stavans and pray. As children, though, we were there mainly for the social events. It wasn't until I left NC that I realized the importance of the Jain Center. What it taught me was the fundamentals of our religion, building blocks on which to shape my thinking and my attitudes. Back then, we focused on memorizing stories, songs, and principles ($5 for 10 points). The funny thing is that all of these things stuck. Hearing things over and over again made them sink in. Each story, each song, each principle then became a part of the foundation.
Unfortunately, my family left Raleigh after only 2 years. Our main connection to the Center was through Pravin Uncle. I cannot emphasize how much he has contributed to my learning. Whether at the small convention in Raleigh, or the much larger event in Philadelphia, he was always there....Teaching. Enhancing people's knowledge.....Explaining complicated teachings in the simplest ways. To say that he understands Jainism is an understatement. He actually truly embodies it. He understands that the youth of today have conflicts reconciling all of the different religions that we encounter. So, he explains how Jainism is similar to and different from these other religions. In this way, we have a better understanding and can therefore explain it to our friends and colleagues.
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