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
The Harmony of Religious Diversity
HS/COL Pravin Shah
INTERFAITH After thousands of years of searching, man's search for God and self has led down many roads. The result has been the enormous diversity of religious expressions found worldwide. It branches out into endless varieties of Hinduism, the emptiness of Buddhism, the self-control of Jainism, and the harmonious approach of Sikhism. It includes the monotheism of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam and even the oriental philosophies of Shinto, Taoism, and Confucianism. Get ready for a powerful learning experience as we highlight the similarities and philosophical differences of our world's major faiths. The Hidden Value of Time
COL Priya Gulecha
LIFESTYLE Time is an essential part of life. If we know how to value time correctly - which with advent of technology has gotten harder and harder to do - we can become powerful Agents of Change in the fast-paced culture around us. Time invested in the right direction will create the right values and positive changes we need, but creating that transformation within you is a personal process that takes courage. Explore how you can find the right balance in your lifestyle and achieve your personal goals!
The Holocaust, Slavery and YOU! Jainism and Ahimsa in the 21st Century
HS/COL/JNE Tushar Mehta
SOCIAL IMPACT This dynamic session will help you consider the meaning and application of the Jain Ahimsa philosophy in the context of modern world issues. First, we'll analyze the Jain philosophical definition of Ahimsa, and challenge the audience to rethink its definition. The presentation touches on the work of Jewish philosopher and sociologist Hanna Arendt - bringing in the nature of systemic violence as seen in the Holocaust, slavery, and the modern world. When does Ahimsa really matter? Who would you be during a Holocaust?
JNE
The Importance of Samayik in our Modern Day Lives Srikumar Menon
EDUCATION In our fast paced lives, we need a way to unplug from the material concerns and attachments that distract us. One of the greatest tools in Jainism to do this is the Samayik -a 48 minute ritual where Jains can meditate, study the Sutras, and understand the significance of ancient texts. In this session you'll learn about other forms of right conduct (Samyag Charitra) and understand the significance that the Samayik can have on your day to day life.
The Importance of the Jain Agams
HS/COL Srikumar Menon
EDUCATION It's surprising how little we have left of the Jain Agams - a treasure trove of knowledge in Jainism. This session will explore the importance of these scriptures and their modern applications. Growing up in a Hindu family while questioning the basic principles and philosophies he was raised with, Srikumar Menon will share his interesting journey as he was introduced to Jainism. At the end, this session will include a guided meditation.
The Jain Networker: Corporate & Business
COLINE Dharmang Shah
CAREER Have a business idea? Want to learn how to climb the corporate ladder? Be an Agent of Change and come join The Jain Networker in meeting and collaborating with Jains from all over the world. Whether you're pursuing the corporate track, you're an entrepreneur with a growing business, or in a position to help young Jains reach their goals, The Jain Networker is a great session that will enhance your skill sets and connect you with individuals that will enable you to create the change that you wish to see in the world.
The Modern Yogic: A New Science
HS/COLIJNE Priya Gulecha
LIFESTYLE Meditation and yoga helps us channel our energies and break free from our fears and limitations. It helps us realize our stored emotions in different parts of our body, like anger, stress, ego and jealousy. Join us for this interactive session on meditation and yoga to help balance your inner energy. This session will inspire you to be a better human being through both self-awareness and self-realization.
HS
The Poetry & Prose of Politics Parag Mehta
SOCIAL IMPACT There are many ways to become an Agent of Change. In our democracy, one of the most powerful ways is through civic engagement and political participation. Join strategist Parag Mehta for a workshop about how to engage your communities in this year's historic elections through voter education, registration, mobilization and turnout. He will lead an interactive discussion about the 2016 campaigns - up and down the ballot -- and about how American Jains are in a position to shape the agenda and actually make America great (again). AGENTS OF CHANGE
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