YJA Convention 2016 07 Los Angeles CA

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

Page 20

AGENTS OF CHANGE
ESSAY CONTEST
Convention attendees were asked to respond to the prompt: "What makes you an agent of change and how does Jainism play a role in that?"
Read your fellow attendees' winning essays here!
FIRST PLACE As we dive deeper into the 5th ara of the cosmic wheel, a world where elements such as compassion, trust, and faith are overpowered by the four kasayas of anger, greed, ego, and deceit, the importance of Agents of Change are more apparent than ever. As a Jain born in the Manushya Gati, we have been bestowed with the knowledge and human capability to facilitate meaningful change and help others around us. Just as Newton's Third Law states that every action has a reaction, even the smallest act of kindness can significantly impact someone's life, and in turn even create more Agents of Change.
My story follows the footsteps of your archetypal American born Jain, who halfheartedly participated in Jain youth events and community functions before completely disconnecting from the community upon entering college life. Of course, this wasn't something I was particularly proud of. Every week would be a reiteration of the previous week, in which I'd declare an ultimatum to get more involved at Dehrasar, only for it to backfire, whether it be an upcoming exam or the sudden need for more sleep on a Sunday. Visiting Dehrasar once a week would evolve into once a month, until it conceded to "showing face" on Mahavir Jayanti and randomly selected Sundays where I would get my Darshan in" before making my swift escape. Sadly, I wasn't the only one.
It wasn't until many years later when I realized that even someone like myself could be an Agent of Change, through something as little as supporting our local YJA and Jain Fellowship events and encouraging others to get involved, whether it be Ultimate Frisbee and the YJA Regional Retreat, or religious oriented events such as Chaitya Pariparti. By setting an example for the next generation, I defy the norm that life after high school doesn't necessitate disengaging from the community like I had done their age.
Building a sense of community is the string that unites Jains of different ages, interests, and backgrounds towards a common goal, our Dehrasar. Without a sense of community, people are less motivated to get involved, cliques begin to form among different age groups, and more troublingly, people feel lost and aren't able to find their place in the group. As an introvert, I know all too well how difficult it could be to meet new people and assimilate into a group you don't know, especially if they aren't your age.
What makes one an Agent of Change? It is going out of the way to make the new person feel welcome, feel valued. It is putting a smile on a stranger's face, for nothing in return. It is doing your best to stay true to the tenants of Jainism, through your mind, words, and actions. I call on all my fellow Agents of Change to lead by example, to break this pattern that is disconnecting our generation, and to encourage others to do the same. Together, we are the future of Jainism.
Houston, TX
SUNNY JAIN, 25
2016 YJA CONVENTION LOS ANGELES, CA