YJA Convention 2010 07 New Brunswick NJ Ninth

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

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High School / College Sessions
Jain Jingles
Part of growing up in North America involves being exposed to established, successful learning practices that are prevalent in the culture. This session takes one such teaching/learning practice, that of English nursery rhymes, and shows how that custom can be utilized and adapted to develop a Jain teaching and learning procedure. The focus of the session will be on encouraging Jains to become aware of surrounding, established Western teaching procedures, utilize them and exercise their creative abilities to develop contemporary teaching/learning materials. The session will include and outline how popular computer software was used to develop a rhymes booklet with an accompanying music CD.
Balbhadraji - Dr. Bruce Costain - Dr. Balbhadraji Bruce Costain began meditation practice in 1974. In 1980, at a lecture by Gurudev Chitrabhanu, he learned about ahimsa (non-harming) and became vegetarian; and now vegan. His academic credentials include a B.A. (psychology), M.Ed Master's thesis topic was Jainism: An Ethical Structure for Non-violent Action. Doctoral thesis title was An Ethic of Unconditional Love for All Living Beings as a Basis for Human Development. With both theses, the purpose was to explain and validate Jain insights for Western folks. Both have been combined into a book entitled Applied Jainism. Dr. Bruce Costain has traveled to India six times receiving religious knowledge and inspiration from all Jain sects. Since 1985, he has been involved with the development of Jain education programs and materials in a western instructional format. He was the first Jain in North America to complete training and certification as a Chaplain. He presently resides in Nashville, TN.
Jain Potpourri!
New to YJA conventions is the open forum! Ask anything to other attendees who may have the answers for you and questions of their own. This is an incredible opportunity for Jains from around the world to inquire about the world as another Jain youth might see it. Our session mentors are knowledgeable youth who will be able to guide discussion of the hottest current issues relating to Jain youth. There is no agenda. Ask anything!
YJA Committee Moderator
Jain Taboo!
Get ready to get competitive with all your knowledge about Jainism. Come play Jain taboo, a fun and easy way to go through the basics of Jainism. Taboo is a game where you have to guess a certain word or phrase to your team without using certain other key words. For example, try describing Mahavir without the terms 24th,' 'Tirthankara,' 'Lion,' 599 BC,' or 'Gautamswami.' Sign up and come "Do the Jain Thing" with an exciting game of taboo incorporating all your favorite Jain terms!
Vivek Mehta - My name is Vivek Mehta. I am a senior at Moorestown High School in New Jersey. Next year, I will be going to college at NYU. I enjoy playing guitar and watching How I Met Your Mother and Lost. I hope that you challenge your knowledge about Jainism and join my session, Jain Taboo! Enjoy the convention!
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VYJA CONVENTION 2010 New Brunswick