YJ International Newsletter 2005 Vol 22 No 01

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

Page 4

Editorial
Dear Readers,
Jai Jinendra and Pranam,
Jai Jinendra and welcome to this very special issue of the Young Jains Newsletter. It is with pleasure that I invite you not only to read, but to treasure this 20th Anniversary commemorative issue.
This year marks one of Young Jain's biggest milestones. 20 years ago Young Jains started out as a small seed, and by watering this seed in various ways, this organisation
has now grown into a tree, with 700 plus members.
As well as looking back through the colourful history of YJ as an organisation, I hope that this issue will encourage us to look forward and consolidate our goals, both personal and organisational. It is for this reason that we chose PROGRESS as the theme of this publication. It is no accident that the first article in this newsletter is on the Gunasthanaks, which is a Jain model to map and assess our spiritual progress towards selfrealisation and Moksha. As Jains, this is surely our ultimate goal and thus it is deserves to be foremost not only in this publication, but also in our minds. This topic is also discussed in this issue in archive material on Pujya Chitrabhanuji and Pujya Minalben, and even in the stories in the Kids' Korner. It is certainly one of the founding principles of Young Jains to act as an organisation that can aid us in our progression and this issue commemorates that very goal. As you read this issue hope you consider the progress you aspire to for yourselves and for our community.
With the help of our dedicated volunteers, we have delivered hundreds of events, from the big rocks such as Mahavir Janma Kalyanak, Paryushan, Raas Garba and Diwali, to the small pebbles such as quiz evenings, Sunday slots, Sweet Harmony, retreats and conventions.
Young Jains has provided the opportunity to learn, share, discuss and ask questions about Jainism, as well as offering the chance to get involved with our events, increasing personal development and meeting people and having fun.
This souvenir issue has also provided an excellent opportunity for Young Jains to congratulate and thank those who have aided the progress of the organisation, and this is commemorated in a very special and unique feature on all of the previous Presidents of Y). Previous recipients of the Young Jain of the Year Award also pay homage to how YJ has helped with their personal, academic and spiritual progress. There is profound discussion on the very term 'progress' from the Living Jain team and Dr. Dan Lyons. We also have the opportunity to read about some very original models through which to understand Jainsim by Professor Kantibhai Mardia.
So, from a seed, Young Jains has evolved into this, tree, and is now one of the UK's leading service providers of Jain dharma, thanks to our devoted volunteers and members who continue to attend, volunteer and take part in our events. The past 20 years would not have been possible without all of you and we extend our sincere gratitude to you all. As the current president would like to send my personal congratulations for helping us during these past 20 years.
So let's take Young Jains through to the next 20 years and beyond.
Trakash Dhah
In addition to your favourite regular newsletter columns, this issue brings you special features on the history of Yj's events and activities here and abroad. But a commemorative issue would not be complete without some quality archive photographs - some which you might have wished had remained in the archives!
Prakash Shah Young Jains President
We, the newsletter team, would love to hear from you. Please send your thoughts, feedback and articles to: Jyoti: yi_newsletter@yahoo.co.uk
Best Wishes, Jyoti Mehta. Editor, Young Jains Newsletter.
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