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
The 12 Reflections in Your Mirror
Contemplation on the twelve bhavnas, reflections, or thoughts, is absolutely essential in our spiritual progress. This session will give an overview of these 12 reflections and talk about how they are useful not only in our spiritual paths, but also in dealing with the realities we face in our daily lives. This session will delve briefly into each of the twelve bhavnas using both descriptions from Jain texts and modern day examples.
Speaker Biographies Session Descriptions &
Nisha Kapashi - Nisha Kapashi graduated from the Fashion Institute of Technology with a Bachelors in Fashion Merchandising Management. She has worked for J.Crew as a financial planner and a distribution analyst. Over the past two years Nisha has developed a keen interest in learning about the Jain philosophy and as a result is in the process of conducting an in-depth study about Jain principles. She also assists in teaching a Jain paathshala for children and is actively involved in study sessions and other events at the Jain Center of America (Queens, NY).
The Chai Party: Getting Involved in Politics
Can we 'do the Jain thing' through our politics? The foundation of Jain dharma is Ahimsa, which permeates every aspect of our lives. In this interactive session we will explore linkages between Jain dharma and politics with a small 'p'. We will discuss a number of questions: How do the principles of Ahimsa, Anekantavada, Aparigraha and the idea of compassion influence whether we vote Democrat or Republican, and our positions on issues such as abortion, gay rights, ecological concerns, wars etc? Can we apply Jain principles to think about the positive and negative aspects of American society? As Jains and as citizens, what role can we play in creating the kind of ideal society we would like to live in? Do Jain principles lead us to do voluntary/charitable work? The session aims to deepen participants' understanding of how Jain principles influence their political and civic activities in the wider society.
Bindi Shah - Bindi Shah is a Sociologist and her research focuses on issues of identity, belonging, and citizenship among second-generation South Asians and Southeast Asians. Having lived in both the USA and UK for many years she has been curious about how young Jains in the two countries are interpreting and practicing Jain dharma both individually and at the organizational level, and has been conducting research on this topic for the past two years. Bindi received her Bachelors from the London School of Economics and her PhD from the University of California, Davis. Currently she is a Research Fellow at the University of Roehampton, London, UK. Besides being an academic, Bindi enjoys yoga, cycling, reading, an eclectic range of music and nurturing two boys to be responsible citizens of the world. In December 2008 she cycled 300 km through beautiful Rajasthan to raise funds to help Veerayatan open educational centres in Gujarat.
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Inspire. Connect. Do The Jain Thing.