YJA Convention 2002 07 NJ Fifth

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

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Pro
roud to be a Jain? This session gives an idea about the Jain virtues and behavior of true Jains that makes them a class apart from others. How to imbibe the Jain philosophy into various courses of action in routine life would be presented in this session. As ethics and morals are part of decision making learn where your morals and values stem from. What do you know about Jain virtues that make you a class that stands apart from others? You will get an overview of different Jain virtues that all Jains should follow.
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These are some virtues that Jains should be aware of and absorb as a daily part of our lives:
◆ FORGIVENESS (KSHMA) Forgiveness, a unique part of our religion, prevents emergence or the rise of anger in one's self, in spite of the outside forces that can get you angry. How do you conquer anger? Learn how embrace anger and conquer it.
◆ CHARITY (DANA): There are four types of charity that add to spiritual progress and this includes: charity accompanied by utter devotion and humility, compassionate charity, charity of gentleness, and charity of knowledge. Learn as a Jain what it means to give to charity.
♦ TRUE MERCY (DAYA): Mercy generally means not to inflict pain on any living creature. As a Jain this is not only in the physical sense but also by thoughts and actions.
notes:
Jain Virtues
Vastupal Parikh
◆ CELIBACY (BRAHMA-CHARYA): Brahma means Soul and charya means conduct Learn different stages as to how Jains observe this concept. TOLERANCE (SAHANA-SHILATA): Tolerance is defined as voluntary endurance of inconveniences pertaining to the mind, speech and body, in a spirit of equanimity, so that a person attains to purity of soul.
DETACHMENT (NIRMOHIPANUN): Detachment means true knowledge of the objects of the world through right vision. Can you detach from all that binds you physically and mentally?
STUDY OF SELF (SVADHYAYA-SHILATA): Study of Self is a basic necessity in various stages of spiritual progress. You will learn different stages to learn about this process.
♦ SILENCE (MAUNA): Silence is abandonment of speech, conversation etc. with a right knowledge and spiritual advancement in view. Learn what ways enhance our speech and when silence is the better route.
CONTENTMENT (SANTOSH): Contentment is a state in which even when subjected to various longings and temptations in day-to-day life, one remains unruffled and with temptations we encounter that our ultimate goal should not be forgotten. You will have an opportunity to listen to the poem and get an understanding why this is an example of powerful Jain scripture.