YJA Convention 2016 07 Los Angeles CA

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

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SESSION DESCRIPTIONS
Paapasthanaks - How Can We Avoid Them? Anjali Doshi
We've heard of the Paapasthanaks, the 18 ways of doing paap/bad karma according to Jainism, but how many of us remember any of them besides lying and violence? And more importantly, how can we avoid these deeds, such as gossip and quarrelling, in our day-today lives? In this session we will focus on the lesser discussed Paapasthanaks, using examples from personal experience, media, news, etc., and collaboratively come up with ideas for avoiding them in daily life.
Packing Light: Aparigraha in Daily Life
Nirav Shah
Party Like a Jain
Bonita Parikh, Umang Patel
Through exercises and discussion, this session will give you the tools to bring the vow of Aparigraha - non-possessiveness - into your daily life. We'll be honestly answering the questions of: 'How did I get all this stuff?"; "Why do I keep all this stuff?; 'Does this stuff really matter?; What are the real causes of attachment?"; 'How can simplifying my life renew my sense of focus? Get ready for an eye-opening and interactive session!
Peace Through Commerce
Kokila Doshi
HS/COL EDUCATION
We all enjoy a great party, a night out clubbing, and simply put - the social scene. With a great social life comes great responsibilitywe're inevitably faced with decisions that often do not align with our Jain principles. How do you approach these situations? Join us for a fun chat and learn how to Party like a Jain!
Realign Your Life: Peer Pressure in Jainism
Sunny Shah
HS/COL INTERFAITH
Relationship Panel
Mihir Shah, Jen Lee, Sagar Khona, Keya Pasad, Purvi Shah, Parag Mehta, Vaibhav Jain
COL/INF LIFESTYLE
What's your compass in life? How can you incorporate Jain values in business for social impact? As Agents of Change, how can Jain entrepreneurs be both exemplary leaders and role models for today's fast-paced business environment? In this session, you'll learn about game-changing social ventures that address unmet social needs with transformative models. We will brainstorm innovative ideas to solve pressing issues and build a culture of peace and compassion. Be ready to understand the importance of inner transformation - bringing Jainness' into all walks of life to create the greater good.
Promise and Perils of Social Media
HS LIFESTYLE
Sean Gajjar
Social platforms have found their ways into every aspect of our lives, from how we interact with our friends & family to how we conduct business. Without a doubt it has made its mark on our culture and society. This session will explore the promise and perils of social media and how the emerging technologies will change the way we interact with our daily world - for better or for worse.
GEN
GE
Saving a Life: Breaking the Stigma Around Mental Health
Sohum Daftary
COL/JNF INTERFAITH
Our lives are filled with stress but how we channel our energy is what really matters. Peer pressure is a very real issue affecting teenagers all over the world today - sometimes others put pressure on you to do something against your values or beliefs. Vice-versa, there are also positive kinds of peer pressure that can be powerful in shaping positive behaviors. This session will examine the perceived stress in our lives and how it affects our mental health and psychological well being. Join this session to learn how we can seek help and realign our path where appropriate.
HS/COL LIFESTYLE
COUJNF LIFESTYLE
Relationships can be tricky waters to navigate, especially given the societal, familial, and religious pressures involved. In this Relationship Panel, you'll have the opportunity to listen to different viewpoints that explore the ups and down along with the rights and wrongs of being in a relationship. If you're looking to expand your beliefs on what should and shouldn't be valued in Jain (and interfaith) relationships, this session is for you!
HS/COL LIFESTYLE
Olivia, a fellow student, stepped in front of a train this past semester, and everyone was to blame. It's so normal to visit the doctor once a year, but why is it different to visit a therapist? We know our bones aren't made of steel, but why do we pretend our minds are? Sometimes we need a shoulder to lean on or someone to speak to. But it can be difficult, especially when the environment discourages showing signs of weakness. That's why it's our job to change that environment. Jainism teaches compassion. You can be an advocate for accepting human imperfections. You can save a life.
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AGENTS OF CHANGE