YJA Convention 2010 07 New Brunswick NJ Ninth

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

Page 70

Jain Way of Life (JWOL)
Jainism is a religion and a way of life. For thousands of years, Jains have been practicing vegetarianism, yoga, meditation, and environmentalism. Jains have three core practices: Ahimsa (Non-Violence), Anekantavada (Non-Absolutism), and Aparigraha (Non-Possessiveness).
Non-Violence is compassion and forgivenessin thoughts, words, and deeds towards all living beings. For this reason, Jains are vegetarians.
Non-Absolutism is respecting views of others. Jains encourage dialogue and harmony with other faiths.
Non-Possessiveness is the balancing of needs and desires, while staying detached from our possessions.
Jains believe in the existence of a Soul - in each living being - which is eternal and divine.
The Jain Way of Life (JWOL) respects and honors all living beings through the practice of Non-Violence, Non-Absolutism, and Non-Possessiveness. We are all interdependent and, by living a Jain Way of Life (WOL), we can bring peace and spirituality to our lives and to those around us.
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YJA CONVENTION 2010 I New Brunswick