YJ International Newsletter 2004 Vol 18 No 01

Author(s): Young Jains (UK)
Publisher: UK Young Jains

Page 11

Young Jains Diary for 2003
MAY
12th, 21st, 23, 24th, 25th 26th, 28th, 30th
During this month, we began the six part series of Study Sessions 'Walking further along the path to Moksha' with Pujya Sudhaben V. Shah. We have worked many times with P. Sudhaben to understand aspects of the path more deeply, and to understand what we must do practically. With insights from the writings of Shrimad Rajchandra and other Jains saints, we considered the meaning of Mahavir Bhagwan's message. These sessions gave an opportunity to gain an insight into the next steps on how to overcome Svacchand, the MBA (Mana Badhu Aware che), and the Kashays (inner enemies of Anger, Greed, Ego, and Deceit) and to commence on the path to Samyak Darshan (self-realisation).
During the second bank-holiday weekend in May, active members of Young Jains took part in a Strategy Shibir Weekend to plan the strategy for the next five years. Concepts and tools such as SWOT analysis, Anschoff Matrix, and 80/20 principle amongst others were shared and used.
The Interactive Experiments in Jainism Part II series focussing on the Kashays, inner enemies began. The series was described as "In a galaxy far far away (or maybe very close by) the Jain Jedi knights in training fight against their own dark side tendencies. The Jain Jedi knights in training are experimenting with different ways of cultivating the true qualities to realise the force within. They are training in becoming aware of the inner enemies (Kashays) and building a formidable set of tools to conquer these enemies. Come and experience this life long learning, training and build your own set of tools. Share your experiences and start the change to reach everlasting happiness. These sessions will build upon TTM Star Wars by taking each Kashay individually and focusing deeper into eradicating it.'
The first Kashay experimented with was Anger, the experiment was in 2 parts and entitled Anger Awareness. Through structured and interactive workshops, stories, skits, group discussions, games and conversation the aim was: To become more aware of Anger and to build up sets of tools to overcome it. The second part of the Anger Awareness experiment was in June.
JUNE
2nd, 4th, 8th, 11th, 14th, 15th, 18th, 25th
Anger Awareness Part II experiment was on 15th June. We also continued with the Study Sessions 'Walking further along the path to Moksha'. On 8th June there was a Committee Workshop Training Shibir. On Saturday, 14th June, Young Indian Vegetarians visited Cambridge for the day. Young Jains with the Young Jain Students Cambridge were there to support the event. Priya Kothari gave a talk on Ahimsa and the Young Jains team were on hand to promote the awareness of Jain Dharma in the wider community.
JULY
7th 11th 27th
This was a literary month for Young Jains, with a book reading by Tanuja Desai Hidier of her novel Born Confused - an exploration of the identity crisis faced by Indians born and brought up outside India. At the end of the month, based upon the theme of a popular children's book we had the Kid's Party- Harry Potter and the Chamber of Jainsim. It was enjoyed by over 100 kids and their parents. The Kid's Party and information about Jain Dharma had a write up in the 4th August issue of the Harrow Observer, a local newspaper. The Hindu Samiti Sangh invited Young Jains to share during one of the evenings of their week long camp.
This month we concluded the Study Sessions, 'Walking further along the path to Moksha', with Pujya Sudhaben.
AUGUST 4th, 5th, 9th, 10th, 17th, 24th-30th
The month started as usual with Sweet Harmony on the first Monday. The following weekend Reuben Thuku from the Theosophical Society of Kenya was again visiting the UK so Young Jains organised an event in Northampton on Saturday 9th with the local Oshwal Community and an event in London on the Sunday.
The following weekend, a week before Paryushan started, Dhruv and Mukul two teenagers performed a Pratikramen in English taking the attendees through the process while explaining it. This was to enable people to The path is outlined in the scriptures, but its inner meaning lies in the heart of the Wise (Self-realised) Ones. 11 For Personal & Private Use Only