YJA Convention 1996 07 San Francisco CA Second

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

Page 44

Where is the line between stealing and non-stealing? In reality, the line is vague, and the best solution is to minimize the abuse of anything that is not one's own. A line to zero is much clear than a line of 'reasonableness'!
3. Experiments with Satya
Mahatma Gandhi believed very strongly in this principle and the tittle of his autobiography was 'Satya na prayogo' which was translated as 'the story of my experiments with the truth'. He believed that if we studied the history of mankind, then the only thing that remains permanent is truth: wars are won and lost, wealth is created and taken away, but the way of truth has prevailed unblemished.
Satya is also a central principle in Jain philosophy. What does it mean? How can we practice it? What does it mean? How can we practice it? Can we approve our happiness and inner peace through its practice? These are the key questions we wish to address in this experiment.
Aim: To test the principle of Satya.
Method:
We have listed below five important truths which are consistent with Gandhiji's beliefs and Jain philosophy. Every participant should think carefully about each statement and try to understand its meaning. He/she should then take a positive action implementing any one or more of the principles in their everyday life over a limited period. A followup meeting to discuss the results of the experiment has been organized when participants must complete and return their answers to the enclosed questions.
1. Honesty and love is of paramount importance in every aspect of life
For example, it may surprise you to learn that Gandhiji never hated the British - he simply felt that it was wrong of any one nation to rule another and struggled to establish the truth. We often forget this principle in our life and one positive method of implementing it is to vow not to take advantage of any person at work or at home for one week e.g. no bullying; no cheating; etc.
2. Money cannot buy happiness
This is a common statement in everyday language although not everyone may agree. To test this principle, take a vow to donate some portion of your income to a charity on a regular basis and reflect on the experience.
3. Cooperation is better than competition
We live in a society where there is a string temptation to be aggressive and selfish. However, does it benefit us in the long term? To test this truth, take a vow to do some community work for a specified period and then reflect on the vow.
39 For Private & Personal Use Only