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
Karma Chameleons: Jainism, Karma and "The Secrets of Thought
"Thoughts are things." This idea has been heavily discussed in pop culture due to books like "The Secret" and "The Law of Attraction". Do these ideas fit with Jain philosophy? Yes, they do. This session will attempt to elucidate the importance of thought and thought culture and how Jainism views the subject. We will explore how the power of thoughts directly affect our karmic load and how changing our thought patterns can lead us on a path to fulfillment. We will understand what kinds of thoughts we should cultivate from a Jain perspective and in what way they can positively enhance our lives. Different resources and authors will be cited during the discussion including Napoleon Hill, James Allen, Les Brown, Swami Sivananda, Tattvartha Sutra, Srimad Rajchandra and others.
Alok Lal - A native New Yorker, Alok Lal currently works for Goldman Sachs and volunteers part of his time with JIVA, the youth committee branch of The Jain Center of America. He recently helped initiate a subcommittee called "Seva Squad", which offers members the opportunity to participate in community outreach in all forms. So far, "Seva Squad" members have taken part in blood donations, winter coat drivers, and a Habitat for Humanity construction build. His passions include training in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu at the Renzo Gracie Academy, dancing Bhangra with Bollywood Axion, and doing his best to live a vegan and cruelty-free lifesytle.
Knights of the Roundtable: Jainism in an Interfaith Society
A recent article in the Boston Globe called "Separate Truths" pointed out the dangers of focusing on the commonalities between different faiths. What do you think? The first part of this discussion will be about how we as Jains view people of other faiths. Next we'll talk about how other faiths view us, and, specifically, how their perceptions do and should affect our behavior in a multi-faith society. Come prepared to think, listen, and voice your opinions!
Finale Doshi - Finale is a graduate student studying statistical modeling and decision-making under uncertainty. She believes happiness is a choice.
Leadership and Youth - Rise up to Your Potential
Yoga + Empowerment + Service or (YES+) is an innovative leadership training that offers life skills and a creative approach to service that works. With a global network of more than 20 million people, YES+ challenges you to achieve the impossible, impact change both locally and abroad, and remain stress-free. Join Dr. Gowri Krishamurhty in a fun, dynamic, and insightful session, that will provide an introduction to the extended YES+ program by the Art of Living Foundation and specifically designed for college-aged youth and young professionals.
Gowri Krishnamurthy - Dr. Gowri Krishnamurthy has been involved with the world-renowned non-profit organization, the Art of Living Foundation for the last seven years. Inspired to teach the program since 2008, she has been teaching the Art of Living programs in PA as well as across the East Coast. Dr. Krishnamurthy has been actively teaching the Yoga Empowerment and Service Plus (YES+) workshops for students at Lehigh University as well as young professionals in the Lehigh valley area. She regularly conducts stress management and empowerment
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YJA CONVENTION 2010 I New Brunswick