YJA Convention 1994 07 Chicago IL First

Author(s): Young Jains of America (YJA)
Publisher: Young Jains of America YJA USA

Page 19

A Brief History in the Jain Era
American Jain living in the United States of America, these occasions happen very rarely, especially with three different sects of Jainism under one roof. Thanks to the efforts of the organizers and volunteers, we can have Jain scholars such as Dr. Bharill, Dr. Kumarpal Desai, and Muni Chitrabhanuji, However, only the cultural center can provide an environment conducive for this type of knowledge.
Many people often use the cliche, "a picture is worth a thousand words". This can be extremely true. Many revered scriptures could be made available through the cultural centers.
By J. G. R. Forlong All upper, western, and north-central India was then-say 500 to 800 B. C. and indeed from unknown times ruled by Turanians, conveniently called Dravidas, and given to tree, serpent and phallic worship but there also then existed throughout upper India an ancient and highly organized philosophical, ethical and severely ascetical religion. Jainism is the religion which clearly developed the early ascetical features of Brahmanism and Buddhism. Long before Aryans reached the Ganges or even the Saraswati, Jains had been taught by some 22 prominent Bodhas, saints or Tirthankars prior to the 23rd Bodha Parshva of the 8th or 9th century B.C., and he knew of all his predecessors-pious Rishis living at long intervals of time and of several scriptures even then known as Purvas or Puranas, that are ancient, which had been handed down for ages in the memory of recognized anchorites, vanprasthis, or forest recluses. This was especially a Jain order, severely enforced by all their Bodhas and particularly in the 6th century B.C. by the 24th and the last, Mahavira of 598526 B. C. This ascetic order continued in Brahmanism and Buddhism throughout distant Baktria and Daccia instead of Jainism being, as was formerly supposed, an offshoot of Buddhism it is shown to extend as far back as 3000 B.C. It is found flourishing along side the nature worship of rude tribes in northern India.
There may even be pictures of pilgrimage places. Just having the opportunity to browse and glance through some books could be more than enough to spark curiosity. The youth may not understand them now, but seeing is the first step. And these small visual impressions will have profound effects.
In many ways, these small instances could add up into something extremely big: a commitment. In a short time, it is possible to feel this sudden need to learn about our heritage. Through the cultural center, it is possible to learn about Gnan, Darshan and Charitra.
As a result, the youth will become much more conscious of their actions and their consequences. In a time when teenagers are trying to discover their true selves, the Jain youth will have transcended above and beyond that understanding. Next time somebody asks what are your religious scriptures, they will be able to tell them without hesitation about Kalpa Sutra and the Agamas.
There is a famous saying, "home is where the heart is".
(Cont. from page 12)
Impact of Cultural ......
fascination and appreciation for the knowledge...and the rituals as well. For example, the Pratistha mahotsav is a once-in-alifetime experience. Granted, in India, these events might happen much more regularly. However, for a second-generation Indian
Many youth see the cultural center as simply a place. However, I see it much more than that. The love and the common bond between Jains is what has transformed the cultural center from simply a place to an institution of higher advancement. In many ways, it has made it a "home".
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Jain Education Intemational