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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at times ambiguous and there is scope for refinement and improvement through experience.
The method of the experiments were designed by us. There is scope for improvement in these methods, but the ones shown in this booklet are a reasonable first step. When designing the experiments, we found that there was some overlap between the various principles and this sometimes confused the real issues. For examples, tapas does not necessarily mean fasting only - it can be extended to self-control of the senses. Thus it can mean that a 'tapasavi' should not loose his/her temper which is similar to being non-violent. This is also part of the principle of Ahimsa (non-violence). Therefore, there is overlap between ahimsa and tapas and we cannot do separate experiments!
Jain principles were not designed to be totally different from one another, and are part of a common wider philosophy. If they overlap, it means that the philosophy is consistent and unified. It is therefore important that the participants should not get bogged down by some of these apparent conflicts between principles. Ideally, the design of the method of the experiments should be refined and focused as opposed to general and vague. Communities in different parts of the world should adapt the experiments to their own environment.
Group Involvement
It must be emphasized that a central ingredient of success in this project is that it must be a group effort. For example, if there are problems of interpretation, these must be shared with other participants and if they are doing it at the same time, it is more enjoyable and rewarding. Ideally, these should be conducted with the guidance of Jain monks, since they are the real practitioners of Jainism. Unfortunately, in the western world we do not have easy access to monks, and thus this is very difficult.
The need for reflection after each experiment cannot be over-emphasized. If one completes a work assignment or an examination, one must know the result - this is the only way one can assess and learn from one's effort. This would point out the mistakes or the knowledge of Jainism that has been gained as a result of doing the experiment. Follow up meetings must always be held to discuss the results, and ideally, everyone should be reading good spiritual books such as Mahatma Gandhi's autobiography and books on Jainism. A suitable bibliography of books in English is suggested at the end of this booklet. The leader of the discussion group should be knowledgeable about Jainism. If one is living in a small town where there are a few Jains, a good solution would be for the whole family to do the experiments collectively.
Individual Experience
The most important point about this whole experiment technique is that it cannot be understood 'second-hand'. Each person should try the experiment first hand - only then he/she benefit through their own personal experience. At the discussion stage, we often found that the experiences of each individual were different. However, the conclusions were similar. Many participants found that the experience showed how far they were from practicing the principles in their own lives. This is a very important revelation.
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Jain Education Intemational