YJA Convention 1996 07 San Francisco CA Second

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

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Participants are required to keep a detailed record of their experiences in that period and a follow up meeting is held to discuss the results.
The most important technique given in the scriptures is the vow. It is a promise which one makes before a god to observe certain principles for a fixed number of days e.g. a 'pachkan' is taken when one decides to fast for one day (upvasa). Irrespective of what happens that day e.g. feelings of hunger, one is determined to fast and completes it. The experiments with Jainism are an extension of this central principle in our scriptures.
However, it must be emphasized that one cannot climb the stairs if one does not have the energy or the commitment. Similarly, one cannot get happiness in Jainism if one does not want to work towards it. Reward only comes with effort.
All the experiments we have conducted so far are shown in the appendix. We will now look at one experiment in detail - the experiment on ahimsa.
Example: Experiment -on - Ahimsa (Non-violence)
This is one of the most popular Jain principles. Its common translation is 'non-violence' but in reality it is a very positive principle and means respect for all life. Mahatma Gandhi was one of the strongest supporter of Ahimsa. He believed that rather than being a sign of cowardice its practice requires great courage and inner strength. He practiced Ahimsa in all aspects of life from having no personal enemies to the concept of 'satyagraha' or passive resistance. And he succeeded.
To perform a limited test of the Jain principle of Ahimsa and evaluate its usefulness through personal experience.
Method:
1. For a period of seven days, participants should attempt to refrain from all forms of violence towards other human beings. Examples of violence include: anger, hate, gossiping, personal criticisms, evil thoughts, jealousy and of course physical
violence.
2. We must try to remove violence from speech, mind, action and also not support others if they engage in violent conduct or thought. This is still a limited test because Jainism applies to all living beings.
3. The most important thing is to try your best at pursuing these principles without letting it interrupt your daily tasks.
4. You will find that there are certain techniques which help: e.g. observing silence for an hour each day; spending your evenings reading good books; trying to think about the good aspects of all your family members and close friends and to understand
them.
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