YJ International Newsletter 2004 Vol 18 No 03

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

Page 19

YOUNG JAINS STUDENTS
Compiled By Priya Kothari (YJS Cambridge) YJS Cambridge
During the year they have been in Priya Kothari
the country, they've acted as a 'spiritual catalyst', by pjk36@cam.ac.uk
trying to highlight how basic principles and values are
more important than material goods and technological This term has seen a new committee take over with advancement, even in the 21" century. Dilesh Haria as President. Despite the hectic timetable of exam term, the team managed to hold two excellent So how did they get involved in Jain Sainthood? "I lived a events for its members. The first was a pure Jain dinner at
normal lifestyle up until 16, and then my parents began a local restaurant where over 25 people attended. The
talking about an early marriage", says one. "I realised aim was to introduce the new committee and to find out
had a compassionate nature, a love for education and what the members thought of the past year's events and
the desire to help others, but if I marry I would only be what they would like to see more of. The members were
able to give this to one family. So I thought, why not also able to learn about particular aspects of Jain food as
take the alternative route? I knew little about the the committee had prepared a handout detailing why we
sadhvis' lifestyle, but went to see what it was like, joined abstain from eating certain foods such as root vegetables.
and did seven years of training." Finally at the end of the night, a newsletter was distributed with information
The afternoon meal saw the sadhvis partake in Gochri,
about the current committee, forthcoming events, and Y)-related activities
a symbolic mutual exchange between the community such as the Convention.
and saints. "We give them physical food, and in return
they give us spiritual nourishment", says Dr Atul Shah, Traditionally all Cambridge societies hold a garden party
founder of Young Jains UK. "It brings us together, and during May Week, the week of parties, balls and post
indirectly reminds us of interdependence - we all need exam celebration, and CUYS was not going to miss out!
each other." Our garden party, which was held on a sunny Tuesday
At present, the sadhvis are running several classes at afternoon, was well attended and gave the members an
the Jain Vishva Bharati in London, including Preskha ("to opportunity to relax, play sports, listen to music and have
see carefully and profoundly, and to perceive by your any questions that they might have about Jainism,
mind's eye") meditation and yoga, Jain philosophy, and answered. The committee had also prepared delicious
Sambodhi ("path to purification"). With classes open to Jain-style fajitas followed by fresh fruit salad which was
everyone, 565 people are said to have benefited from very well received.
Preskha last year. The committee is now taking a well deserved break and is "We have a holistic approach, and give personal looking forward to meeting you all at the Jains@Uni consultation" says Samani Pratibha Pragya. "People now event in September, and then again at Freshers' Week!
call us when approaching exams and interviews, and
even to celebrate their birthday with our blessing and YJS Oxford
Jain values." Palvi Shah shahpalvi@hotmail.com
Anjool Malde interviews Pratibha and Punya Pragya leproduced from BBCi Religions and Ethics website
Young Jains actively sponsors YJS and offers sponsored membership to Young Jains UK. For more information on free Young Jains Student membership, go to:
ain nuns (Samanis or Sadhvis) Pratibha and Punya Pragya ame to Oxford University in May to launch a new ociety aiming to raise awareness of the religion, which is till relatively unknown in the United Kingdom.
http://www.youngjains.org.uk/students
Originally from Rajasthan in India, the sadhvis live a nomadic lifestyle, sleeping on the floor, relying on the community for food and owning nothing bar two pairs of dothes.
You can meet the Young Jains Students at the Tasting The Mango 2 - The Next Slice! Convention in September
To get initiated they took five major vows: non-violence, truthfulness, celibacy, to not steal and to not become attached to possessions.
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