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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4. None of the participants practiced this truth as they found it difficult to implement
it. One suggestion for the future is that if we notice any type of discrimination e.g. rich against poor, literate against illiterate; we should write letters to our MP's and/or newsbooklets expressing our views. We should not remain passive until we are the subject of discrimination!
5. It was accepted that ego can be harmful but many found that it is difficult to decide
when one is boasting or merely stating an achievement e.g. at an interview. It was felt that at times, there is a fine line between ego and self-confidence and the decision is a personal one. Such experiments help to develop personal attitudes.
4. Experiment on Tapas (Penance)
This is perhaps one of the most famous Jain principles which is commonly interpreted as fasting: going without food for a certain period. However, its strict definition is very wide and in reality there are twelve types of penance six of which are termed external types: fasting; eating in moderation; abandoning feelings of acquisition; eating without the feelings of attachment with the food; self imposed hardships to train one's mind and control of the body and related feelings. The six internal types are: repenting for any misdeeds; showing modesty and respect for spiritual leaders; serving the spiritual leaders; studying good books; meditating, and mental kausagga. (From "Jainism - Illustrated' by Vinod Kapashi) Fear not! We will not ask you to all this in one experiment. We will just observe the fasting aspects of tapas during this years Paryushana.
Essentially, Jain philosophy is critical of individual passions and desires and believes that the only way to 'real freedom' and 'real happiness' is through self-control of our desires. Generally, we look upon food as a delicacy and are very attached to our tastes.
Aim: Is the Jain principle of tapas practical in modern society? Does it help us towards greater stability and inner contentment? Or is it simply an age old principle which has no relevance to modern life and happiness?
Method
As we all know, there are many types of fasting: having no food; having only one meal per day; one meal plus fruit at the other mealtimes; etc. It is very important that care is exercised throughout and that we do not overdo it.
If you have not fasted before, start with a simple fast. It is very important that once you define your fast, you try your level best to stick to it throughout the eight days i.e. to do the experiment seriously, it is very much like taking a vow - you should not stop it when you feel hungry for example!
Examples of fasts:
1. Eat three (or two) meals a day without having anything in between. 2. Stop eating your most favorite foods for eight days.
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Jain Education Intemational