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The YJ Calendar
By the Current Committee Members
As well as bringing to life the traditions of more than 2600 years ago, the audience of 400 adults and children participated in the modern custom of blowing out candles and cake cutting.
Above: YJ members show off their dramatic skills at MJK.
PARYUSHAN
The soul, in its pure form, has infinite perception, infinite knowledge, infinite vigour, and is non-attached. These attributes are not seen in a worldly soul because it is soiled with karmas. By following religious principles and activities, we overcome our karmas and uplift our souls to liberation. There are various kinds of religious activities, sometimes called rituals, and among them Pratikraman is the most important ritual. During Pratikraman we repent for our nonmeritorious activities on a daily basis. We realise our mistakes and ask for forgiveness which helps us to minimise the intensity of the karma's bondage.
In 2007, YJ teamed up with Oshwal Association UK (OAUK) and SCVP later in the week to bring an exciting and informative 'English Pratikraman' led by YJ's Jaineel Shah. He explained the essence of Samayik, providing translations of prayers in English and discussed the importance of Pratikraman and Samayik for a Jain householder. The event was indeed successful, with a turnout of more than 100 people of all ages. It was especially inspiring to see children as young as 8 attending, with their friends and family, some of whom had never before performed Pratikraman, who were then geared up for Samvatsari Pratikraman with a much better understanding of this significant Jain ritual. Gaining a profound and enduring understanding of Jainism is, and remains, at the heart of Y].
RAAS GARBA
Jain Bucation International
The annual Young Jains Raas Garba is always sold out within the first two weeks of tickets going on sale! Over the years we have seen over 400 people, members, non-members, young, old, families and friends come together every year to celebrate this colourful, entertaining event.
In 2007, a skit about the story of Bhagwan Parshvanath was performed for the first time in YJ history_to explain the Jain significance of celebrating Navratri. One Garba attendant described it as "an event for all - all are made welcome" and another regular said, "it gets better every year!"
DIWALI
On Saturday 17th November 2007, around 300 guests gathered at Canon's High School for an 'Evening of Enlightenment'. All were greeted by smiling volunteers and a colourful vibe was created by the wonderful decorations, including two mind-blowing rangolis. This year, Young Jains celebrated Diwali with a difference; three different faiths who celebrate Diwali came together under one roof to share the meaning of Diwali for them. We were lucky to have the National Hindu Students Forum (NHSF) to share why Hindus celebrate this auspicious festival, and the Havelock Road Gurdwara to show us why Diwali is so important to Sikhs. Both of these organisations portrayed the meaning of Diwali through educating & interesting presentations, full of culture & history.
Young Jains depicted Diwali with a skit (truly Young Jain style), with a modern twist. We saw Khush, a young, rich investment banker, realise how attachments were affecting his life, and recognising that by shedding these attachments, he would be one step
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