YJA Convention 2000 07 LA Fourth

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

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JAINISM, WEALTH, AND SOCIOECONOMIC CLASS: MODERN DAY APPLICATION OF APARIGRAHA
presented by Pareen Shah, Rahul Shah and Neil Chokshi
Is one's status in society or culture related to the amount of attachment one has for materialistic items? Is it Jain for Indians to be so concerned with status in society? can I personally take one step back and be less attached?
How
Much of the teaching that we receive as young Jains revolves around the principles of our religion, our philosophy, and our way of thinking. We get very little exposure to the impact of Jainism on the world around us. This seminar will address a few important issues that link Jain ideology to contemporary socioeconomic issues in the United States today.
As Jains, we are taught to observe the principle of Aparigraha or "Non-Possessiveness". Simplicity in life is encouraged, while Greed is discouraged. Jainism explicitly rejects the idea of Caste/Class differences in society. All living creatures are seen as equals - all with the potential of reaching Nirvana and liberation from the cycle of birth and re-birth. Jainism also promotes the idea of Daana (Charity) and encourages Seva (Service) for those who are less fortunate and needy.
Jains, however, have traditionally been a wealthy merchant class (both in India and the United States). A significant portion of the Jain American community is comprised of professionals (doctors, engineers, business owners). Many Jain Societies in the United States have built lavish million-dollar temples. Many Jains have accumulated significant economic status in terms of their financial assets. Has this quest for economic status impaired us from observing the fundamental principles of non-materialism, service and charity? This seminar will address Aparigraha and how it relates to our lives as Jain Americans.
Through interactive discussion and activities, we will address non-possessiveness and non-materialism, and how these fundamental Jain principles play a crucial role in the movement for socioeconomic and class equity.
LEADERSHIP FORUM
facilitated by Suken Jain
The Young Jains of America Executive Board consists of 15 hard-working and dedicated individuals. The positions involved are Regional Coordinators, General Coordinators, Directors, and Co-Chairs. The age of our E-Board members vary from 17 to 25. The average term of a YJA Executive Board member is 2 years. During our Fall meeting, we recruit new Executive Board members to replace those that are leaving. This assures that YJA will always have some fresh new ideas as well as some
experienced people on the board. If anyone is interested in taking part and being involved with the Executive Board at any level, please attend this leadership session so we can give you more information. The only requirement to attend this session is enthusiasm, ambition, and new ideas. We also welcome criticism and commentary for our board to improve.
Are you a current LR or interested in being one for your Jain Center? This meeting will provide great insight into the responsibilities and tasks that a LR does. You will have the opportunity to get to know one another and start building national and international ties strengthening the bonds within the Jain community. Most importantly, we will discuss leadership...
Reading:
"HOW TO BE A LEADER" By Robert O. DiMaio
Condensed from www.lead-inst.org/blackwell/leadership.shtml
What is leadership? The term gets thrown around a lot, but what is it really? What do leaders do which makes them leaders? Can leadership be learned?
I hope to answer these questions in the following paragraphs and offer some ideas on how you can develop leadership
abilities.
Fortunately, leadership can be learned. This is good, because true leaders are in high demand and short supply in every field.
To be an effective leader, though, you must first understand what leadership is and what traits a leader exhibits. Contrary to some current political rhetoric, leadership is indelibly linked to character; without character, no leader can be truly successful.
Leadership is more than leading. Webster's Dictionary defines leadership as the "ability to lead." The Marine Corps defines leadership as "the sum of those qualities of intellect, human understanding and moral character that enables a person to inspire and control a group of people successfully."
Former President Ronald Reagan put it in a very practical way: "A leader, once convinced a particular course of action is the right one, must have determination to stick with it and be undaunted when the going gets rough."
Purpose & goal are vital to successful leadership. Regardless of the definition used, leadership must have a worthwhile purpose. Without a specific goal, leadership can degrade into an exercise in self-aggrandizement rather than mission accomplishment.
THE LEADER'S CODE
The Leader's Code is a guide which allows you to evaluate honestly your strengths and weaknesses as a leader. While it doesn't cover all aspects of leadership, it does allow you to gauge quickly where you are and where you need to go. It reads as follows:
"I become a leader by what I do. I know my strengths and my weaknesses, and I strive constantly for self-improvement. I live by a moral code and set an example that others can follow. I know my job, and I carry out the spirit as well as the letter of instructions I receive.
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