YJA Convention 1994 07 Chicago IL First

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

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Crisis in Youth Education
Jain Society in North America is at a crisis cross-roads; specifically in the area of youth education. As early as the Chicago Jain convention 1985 the youth were appealing for more information and understanding about their religion. There were comments such as the youth being 'embarrassed' and 'insecure' about being Jain because they were ill informed. At that time a summary report was published, which, it is regrettable to say, aroused very little interest. Now some years later the cries for knowledge are still there; however there are not as many. Does this mean that the Jain knowledge needs of the youth have been addressed by the intervention of educational programs? Considering the efforts of a few Jain societies the answer is a commendable 'yes'. Nevertheless, considering what is happening with the youth and children education at most other Jain societies the answer is an anxious, 'very little' perhaps even "nothing".
In addition, another interesting attitude has developed and become prominent. The youth, who are now in positions where they are taking leadership roles, are demonstrating a sense of security and assertiveness in being Jain and representing the Jain tradition. This is a great development. However, when assessing the knowledge base of the youth (as I have had the opportunity to do as a judge for the most recent Pittsburgh Convention essay competition) it becomes apparent that while the interest amongst the youth is very strong the knowledge base is, for the most part, disturbingly narrow.
This deficiency of knowledge situation with the youth is an important issue in itself; yet it is made more troublesome by a related occurrence. Presently there is a movement in the West to publicize Jain religious philosophy for the potential benefit of non-Jains. While this is a praiseworthy objective it creates, at this time, an additional source of stress for both the
By Balbhadra
youth and children, as well as Jain society.
Why will stress occur? It naturally will occur because the increased general public awareness of Jainism will create a curiosity and an interest on the part of non-Jains. And when the nonJains realize that one of our youth or children is Jain. Are not the chances great that they will ask for some information about the religion? And what will our youngsters answer if they are not knowledgeable and informed? More importantly, how will they feel? One thing is certain, kids don't like to think of themselves as 'dumb' (to use a popular, yet derogatory, term). They become as was described at the Chicago convention, 'embarrassed and insecure'. All of these debilitating feelings surrounding a great tradition, whose purpose, in part, is to foster the development of selfconfidence and self-assurance.
Previously it was stated that Jain society is at a cross-roads; meaning that more than one option is available. This serious problem facing Jain society is correctable. The alternative to a deficiency in education is to address the deficit with an immediate, concerted effort to provide Jain education programs for the majority who are in need.
On the positive side, there are some societies who have been successful with youth and children education. Their great accomplishments mean that materials and methods are already available. In addition, it is necessary to listen to the youth when they appeal for Jain education programs in the Western style that they are presently familiar. This request provides the opportunity for new and innovative educational materials to be developed which maintain the ancient tradition. In this regard, all who are interested can play a significant role and make a contribution. There is room for great optimism if Jain society as a whole takes prompt action. (Cont. on page 50) www.jainelibrary.org
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