YJA Convention 2000 07 LA Fourth

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

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MY TRIP TO INDIA WITH BILL CLINTON
presented by Prem Jain
In the process of interpretation it is important to note that we should begin with a historical interpretation of each mantra, and while these interpretations may vary, and even be a topic of debate, they should not take precedence over the individual journey into the self whereby we answer our own questions and find what Jainism means to us as individuals.
What Indian cultural influences can now be found in the Jain tradition as we know it? Have outside influences on Jainism greatly changed our view of the religion today as opposed to its original intent? Could Jainism have thrived in any other country? What does this mean for Jainism's new life in a mostly Christian America?
In addition to this, it is important to be able to relay mantras with today's society. This helps us identify with and find support in Jainism and its traditional mantras, to be able to find an individual identity in Jainism, and although there is much common ground on beliefs within our religion, we should respect the varying views/interpretations of each individual. We may use the term "interpretation" somewhat loosely in the hope of encouraging a diverse dialogue and creating an environment open to all theories, logics, guesses, and/or personal philosophies. It is through this open dialogue we could further enrich our own Jain beliefs - all of us, no matter what our initial opinions or levels of understanding may have been. This brings us in accordance with the Jain principle of non-one-sidedness (Anekantavada).
With over five hundred dialects and even more cultures, the word 'Indian' represented a complex phenomenon to President Bill Clinton during his March 2000 visit to South Asia. Clinton's journey was an opportunity for a leader from another country to understand the background of the small but highly professional and industrious Indian minority here in the US.
It is also significant to interpret Jain mantras through the eyes of gender, class, outside religion, etc. which are areas that tend to be overlooked in general religious discourse, but which Jainism, by its rationalistic nature, lends itself to readily and remarkably
Speaker Prem Jain - a tremendous supporter of the Jain community and promoter of Jain values who currently works as a director of Cisco Systems - was one of about 40 IndianAmerican professionals selected from around the country to accompany President Clinton on this voyage. From the Taj Mahal to the villages of Rajasthan, the trip helped Mr. Clinton understand the diversity of Indians found in the US. The President also had an opportunity to experience religions other than the western faiths. Among them was Jainism, and it was interesting to hear Clinton's reaction to a philosophy based on compassion for life. His visit to the Mahavir Hospital in Hyderabad (a Jain charitable foundation) and his address to Indian Parliament wherein he discussed the principle of Ahinsa helped our president begin to understand that Jainism has much to offer. Perhaps our president will have learned enough from the experience to moderate changes in the US.
MEDICAL BENEFITS OF VEGETARIANISM
presented by Neal Barnard
Regardless of compassion for other life forms, shouldn't eat the FDA required nutritional requirements to be compassionate to my own body? Where will I get my protein, calcium, and major vitamins from if I keep reducing my food selection? In the end, how much of a health difference does it really make, since meat eaters at least seem to live about as long as vegetarians?
OUR MASK
presented by Usha Jain
Neal Barnard, M.D., a psychiatrist, started Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine (PCRM) which advocates medical practice based on nutritious vegetarian diets and other positive lifestyle changes, rather than reliance on animal experimentation and the use of drugs and surgery. His approach is given in his book, The Power of Your Plate (1990), in which he presents the views of many modern doctors who have practiced wholistic medicine. To counter the negative effects of the old "Basic Four Food Groups", with its heavy reliance on animal products, Dr. Barnard presented the "New Four Food Groups", which puts fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes at the center of the American diet. Dr. Barnard has recently written other nutrition books, including one on weight reduction, based on the use of the "New four food groups".
It chanced upon a winter's night Safe sheltered from the weather. The board was spread for only one, Yet four men dined together. There sat the man I meant to be In glory, spurned and booted. And close beside him, to the right The man I am reputed. The man I think myself to be His seat was occupying Hard by the man I really am To hold his own was trying. And all beneath one roof we met Yet none called his fellow brother No sign of recognition passed They knew not one another.
Given all that background, this seminar will discuss the true medical and scientific benefits of a Jain lifestyle.
- Author unknown
One time, a man was standing outside his house holding his baby in his arms. An acquaintance commented how pretty his child was and the man said, "Oh, this is nothing someday you
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