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Living Jain on Progress
By Suraj Dinesh Shah and the Living Jain team.
Rishma Shah
Evil is a strong word and is very often considered by most to be related to problems on a bigger scale, problems which are usually out of our control. However, in this context, I think it is very much related to all of us. If we relate evil to be our bad thoughts, actions and behaviour, then indeed there is some degree of evil in all of us.
By putting effort into trying to repress our bad thoughts and actions, we will definitely help to develop ourselves. However, it is like squashing something into a bag to make more space for something else. But then what is the empty space filled with? We have developed ourselves by making the space through repressing our negative energy, but that's as far as we have gone.
This is where the second part of the quote comes in, 'our greatest hope lies in developing what is good'. By putting our energy into developing our good qualities, we will automatically repress our negative thoughts and ultimately remove them completely. Our soul has infinite qualities which are being suppressed and it is us alone who controls how many of them come to surface. We all have the capacity to let the qualities of our soul shine, but are so often undermining our own capabilities.
Rishma is currently a student at SOAS university learning more about Jain studies. She has a Maths and economics degree from the LSE and worked in an investment bank before starting her masters course at SOAS. She has recently become more active with Young Jains with the aim of helping others understand how they can benefit from the
teachings.
CAPRIN PRINTERS Caprin have been printing the YJ newsletter for many years and are also regular advertisers. Our sincerest thanks to them for their professionalism and help over the years. In particular, the most recent issue was done in full colour and has raised the standard of this publication considerably.
Sol Shah
It's always the case that whenever you put your attention to something, you receive more of that in your life. Have you found that the moment you bought your car, suddenly you saw that many cars with a similar colour and model popped up all over the road? Have there been moments where you've felt the lack of money or love, and due to that lack thinking, you've very rarely receive those very things you've craved? How about moments when all you've felt is gratitude for the world around you and blessed for the situations you're encountering - what have you received then?
Ja Education International
As you go through your daily tasks, while being aware of the limitations that life greets you with, insist on focusing your attention on the very things that you seek to enhance further. Focus on what's good - you'll simply get more of it.
THANKS TO THE FOLLOWING...
The YJ newsletter, and this special issue in particular, would not be possible without the continued help and support of numerous people and volunteers. We would like to take this opportunity to thank all of these people, who are too numerous to be named, for their spiritual, financial and moral support over the years. A few in particular:
Sol founded Living Jain in March 2007, using his internet marketing background (www.cynergise.com) to contribute to the global Jain community. Sol has been an active member of Young Jains UK since the summer of 2000, having previously served on the executive committee for two years, and been involved in the development and running of several events including conventions and residential retreats.
CONTRIBUTORS Thanks to those who have been on the newsletter committee over the years. Also thanks to all the advisors, contributors and proofreaders who maintain the quality of this publication.
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ADVERTISERS
A very big thank you to advertisers of the Young Jains newsletter, both in the past and our current advertisers for their continued financial support. Thanks also to those who have supported this commemorative issue by advertising.
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