YJA Convention 2000 07 LA Fourth

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

Page 36

THE IDENTITY MATRIX
conducted by Paras Maniar
Male Jain American-born Doctor, an Athletic Lesbian Jain Female Artist, or a Non-traditional Non-religious H-1 Computer Scientist. In essence we each are a matrix of identities. And while it may be intriguing to catalog our identity composite, what is more useful to understand is a comparison of reactions each individual exhibits when addressed with the same stimuli.
The "me" I think I am The "me" I wish I were The "me" I really am The "me" I try to project The "me" others perceive The "me" I used to be The "me" others try to make me
For example, what if our Doctor, Artist, and Computer Scientist were all asked their stance on abortion rights and the replies returned were CHOICE, LIFE and CHOICE, respectively? An observer becomes immediately aware for this particular stimuli the Jain identity is not a determiner of outcome. More importantly, the self-reflective doctor may realize that in this case his liberal beliefs superceded his Jain beliefs. Alternatively, another similar question may be raised (e.g., the death penalty) in which the Doctor will find his medical training to preserve life commanding his decision. By discussing and attacking our identities in this fashion The Identity Matrix will attempt to leave to realm of black versus white, of Jain versus non-Jain, and instead venture into the gray areas of interpretation where true understanding of the individual lies.
- Author unknown
Every Jain conference has the token "identity" discussion session and typically that session focuses on issues regarding cross-culturalism and the reconciliation of Indian and American ideals. Often heard in these discussions are commons themes and queries such as:
"How do I promote and explore my sense of western individuality within the bounds of Indian familial hierarchy?" "How does one reconcile the western system of dating with the Indian tradition of arranged marriage?" "It embarrasses me when my mom gives me roti and dahl for lunch instead of PB&J. All the kids laugh at me! What's a beta to do?"
While the scope of topic of this discussion may seem complex and daunting, the session has been structured to be anything but. A combination of simple exercises, group breakouts, and structured dialog will facilitate an informative and productive forum. Personal narratives will be used to challenge interpretation and response. Candor, cynicism, and comedy will be freely sprinkled to relax the participants when discussions get intense. And finally, if all else falls apart, the moderator promises to make this session anything but "token", even if it requires him to keep participants entertained with impromptu dances and vaudeville shenanigans.
Ultimately, The Identiy Matrix hopes to provide participants with an opportunity to revisit the topic of identity with refreshed vigor and new perspective, in a forum that sparks creativity, reflection, and constructive communal learning.
Enough already! The conflict and dichotomy of American versus Indian values and culture have been debated long enough. More importantly, one derives little value from such repetitive conversations if not placed in an individual context. Rather than discussing the point at hand, these discussions break down into tit-for-tat arguments with debaters on each side using a plethora of examples and stories to defend their personal views: "I know a girl, Aarti, and she married a African-American boy and they've been happily married for 10 years, whereas this other boy, Raja, got arranged in India and got divorced one month after bringing his wife to the US." While this may be argumentatively challenging and culturally inquisitive the first time discussed, such repeated sessions quickly become meaningless to the introspective individual.
INNER PEACE presented by Hema Pokharna and Usha Jain
Is inner peace something we achieve independently, or does it have to be taught? How will we know when we have reached inner peace? So many other Americans appear to be 'successful' without enjoying inner peace - so does it really matter? Why?
The goal of The Identity Matrix is to evolve this discussion in cross-culturalism by focusing away from situational contexts and concentrating instead upon individual rationale and reasoning. The premise and basic assumption of The Identity Matrix is that we, as individuals, are made up of many independent identities, each which govern our decision-making process to differing degrees based on the situation at hand. Some reactions are governed dominantly by one's ethnicity or gender, identities established at birth. Other reactions may be governed dominantly by an identity one inherits genetically and or cultivates independently such athleticism and music. Alternatively, reactions may be dominantly decided by one's religious identity. Many personal stances are even dominantly governed by one's professional identity (e.g., banker or activist).
Jains are always talking about maintaining Inner Peace but it's a lot easier said than done-right? Well this session will explain and show to you how everyday issues can be dealt with in a peaceful and calm way. Learn these spiritual ways of dealing with stress at school, home, and with other people.
Reading:
From the article "Health is Inner Peace" by Dr. Pokharna:
The focus of The Idenity Matrix is to force us away from looking at things as Jains or non-Jains, Indians or non-Indians, etc. Instead we will work to understand that individuals are essentially identity composites. The individual may be a Liberal
The following is a model illustrating how to be at peace within and without It was developed with the help of Kent Haines, a friend who has been a witness and mentor in my struggles to put my knowledge and
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