YJA Convention 1996 07 San Francisco CA Second

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

Page 15

STRIKING A BALANCE: EXAMINING CULTURAL DIMENSIONS
By: Maneesh Kenia & Jugna Shah
Abstract:
We will examine the social constructions of culture, religion, and the traditional expectations which we as Indian Americans encounter growing up in North America. We will identify various dimensions of culture, from the East and the West, that help shape who we are today. This is session is about asking powerful, thought provoking questions, which have no right or wrong answers. This discussion will provide the group with questions that are important for our generation to raise and to discuss, in order to develop spiritually and socially in our future lives and endeavors. While often difficult to reconcile divergent influences, it is critical to strike a balance between our Indian heritage, our Jain religion, and our Western lifestyle.
Culture vs. Religion
We will discuss the social and culture perceptions surrounding stereotypes and generalizations from both a youth and adult perspective. For example what are the connotations and assumptions of the words we use. What does it really mean when we say 'Jain,' 'Indian,' or 'American.' Do we have to call ourselves Jain to be Jain? Is someone who calls themselves a Jain more Jain than someone who does not?
Further, we will explore the incongruous nature between what we are taught to practice from a religious/philosophical perspective, and the actions which are promoted by our social community. This may help us understand why we sometimes live dual personalities, the ramifications of living this way, and the solutions to minimize this kind of lifestyle. We will also examine the mental violence we generate when engaging in Asatya for aesthetic concerns? Should we label ourselves Jains when we engage in this sort of behavior and hypocrisy?
Traditional Expectations
The second half of this session will focus on issues which have to do with understanding and balancing our parents' view of the world, the way we were raised, and how we plan on living our adult lives. What are some of the most powerful traditional expectations that have carried over from our parents' generation into our own? How do we balance more modern views as they influence our career choices and family life desires, in relation to the different set of circumstances generated for both men and women, thus requiring each of us to make difficult decisions.