YJA Convention 2012 07 Tampa FL Tenth 027618

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

Page 81

Essays & Creativity
Step Forward...as a Humanitarian By Vaibhav Ajmera (Floral Park, NY)
What moves us in life? What society, try to address it and fix it. At least put an makes us want to achieve honest foot forward and try without giving in to more or to go above and personal recognition (ego) and fighting over trivial beyond all expectations? It's issues that place the larger accomplishment away strange, but sometimes the from reach (anger). kashayas, or passions, that are "net negative" are responsible. I strongly feel and believe that we all as individuals When I say "net negative," I have an innate desire to do good. But somewhere,
am referring to the concept along the way, we have all become very involved that good is derived from something that is in only our lives and do the bare minimum that is innately corruptive in nature. On a macro level, required to not feel guilty about not contributing to the potential negative effects outweigh the positive society. As for those that have gone above and effects. For example, sometimes anger or deceit beyond in helping others and repairing the pushes you to become more aggressive and work smallest of things, you are leading by example. I harder. Other times ego or greed may push you to hope that fire always lives inside you and spreads prove that you're something of value. We can see to motivate and inspire others. this clearly within the sports arena. A myriad of athletes, in various sports, would confess that they For the rest that always wanted to contribute but use whatever they can to motivate themselves to never knew how, start with the smallest thing and play their best. In a similar way, life imitates move forward. The humanitarian effort lies on a sports. Several times we find motivation through spectrum, from fixing a "garden patch" for your these various passions. And of course, these neighbor to "redeeming a social condition." As feelings are but natural. So what's the problem? Jains, the fundamental quality we should all be
working on is becoming better humanitarians. And In using such kashayas to inspire ourselves, more that means helping members in our community; often than less, it seems that we become more Jain and non-Jain, human and non-human, and more disassociated with the world we live in whenever and wherever, in any way possible. and more self-centered in our search to become Start initiatives in your local communities at all "someone." We can rarely use these passions to levels, through temples, schools, or community help others or society as a whole without centers and bring attention to various concerns eventually succumbing to selfish desires. When and issues that may help the community as a was the last time you went out of your way to help whole. someone without any personal recognition or gain? This is a rhetorical question and be We are the future of Jainism and we carry a torch completely honest to yourself.
that needs to shine light not only through
principles but by action as well. As someone once To do genuine social good on a long term basis, said, "Do not try to be better than your inspiration isn't derived from these passions. It predecessors or your contemporaries, try to be can't be. It is derived from deep within your better than yourself." character. First, you have to realize that there is more you can contribute to the world than your own personal success. Second, you have to want to do something good and beneficial for others without any selfish agenda. And third, you have to be able to create time and energy for these efforts.
giving back.. providing a helping hand
One of the basic tenets of Jainism is being a humanitarian. If you see something wrong in our
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iJain: Evolution of a Mind