YJA Convention 2002 07 NJ Fifth

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

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Jain Solutions to Problems of the 21st Century
Manoj Jain | Yogendra Jain
uman knowledge is increasing exponentially. Instead of continuing to build and expand our traditional
Traditional religious beliefs and practices are temples, perhaps our temples should be not just for Jains, being challenged. However, many of the ancient not just a people of Eastern views, not just for Indians, Jain beliefs are being embraced by today's scientists not just for and thinkers; beliefs such as life in plants, drinking filterd water, environmentalism, cleanliness, religious people, not just for spiritualist, but for all. These meditation and yoga, non-violence, to name a few. new breed of temples, let's call them "Spiritual Parks," Many of these beliefs came to be known by the world would be a cross between Epcot Center, Museum, Disney not through Jainism but by advances in science. World, Monastery, and a Research Lab. The goal of these
parks would be to compress 20 years of spiritual learning Jainism has many other "golden nuggets." As into 20 hours and to take the visitors to new levels of self Mahavira re-branded and re-packaged Jainism, the awareness which would take 20 or more years of regular time has come for us to do the same and share practice and many trials and errors. these "golden nuggets" with the world. And these nuggets have the power to radically re-shape the Furthermore, with the expansion of spiritual awareness future human mind and give it hope and happiness. among the visitors, we should see significant reduction in What will the future of Jainism be and can we as meat diet and animal based products consumption and Jains re-invent ourselves and our institutions? Can increase in practice of Non-Violence, Non-Absolutism, and we re-brand and re-package Jainism for the 21st Non-Possession. century.
Also explored in this session will be 21st century institutions to build and promote Jain principles and values. We propose that we go back to the drawing board and reevaluate our objectives for a temple.
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